Florida man berated, abused child for nearly 30 minutes over lack of couch cushions: deputies

A Florida man has been arrested on child abuse charges after he allegedly screamed obscenities and physically punished a child for about half an hour over a missing couch cushion, officials said.

Lance Rachel Sr., 42, was charged with aggravated child abuse and battery and strangulation. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred at a home in Kissimmee, Florida, on Dec. 7 but was not reported until several days later.

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The Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the incident on December 11.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Rachel Sr. became angry because the couch cushion had shifted and accused the child of lying.

The Sheriff’s Office said the suspect “maliciously” subjected the child to verbal abuse and physical punishment for 28 minutes to punish him.

Deputies said the incident occurred at a home in Kissimmee, Florida, on Dec. 7 but was not reported until several days later. (iStock)

Officers said the victim was whipped with a belt more than 50 times, choked, and called several insulting names and other curse words.

At one point, the suspect threatened to break the child’s jaw, according to deputies.

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Troopers said Lance Rachel Sr. became angry when a couch cushion shifted and accused the child of lying. (iStock)

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Deputies say part of the incident was captured on home surveillance.

On Dec. 16, deputies interviewed Kimberly Rachel, 35, who confirmed the incident occurred. She was arrested and charged with failing to report known child abuse.