Two individuals, identified as Jeffrey Morales and Melissa Husk, have been apprehended by Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies following an incident involving their six-year-old daughter, who arrived at school with visible facial bruises.
In Volusia County, Florida, law enforcement officials acted swiftly on Friday after receiving reports that the young girl turned up at school bearing signs of physical abuse on her face. The alarming condition of the child prompted an immediate response and investigation from the deputies.
According to a statement from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the child had suffered physical abuse, which her parents allegedly attempted to conceal by keeping her home from school for two days. Further revelations by the child to investigators indicated that she was often hungry and did not receive adequate nutrition.
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Following the investigation, deputies arrested the parents—29-year-old Jeffrey Morales and 35-year-old Melissa Husk. Morales faces charges of child abuse, while Husk has been charged with child neglect due to her alleged awareness of the abuse and her failure to take action.
In footage captured on a body-worn camera, a deputy sergeant addresses Husk, emphasizing her responsibility with the words, “You’re her mom and you’re supposed to protect her, and you failed,” after informing her of the charges she faces.
“You’re her mom and you’re supposed to protect her, and you failed,” a deputy sergeant tells Husk on bodycam after explaining her charge.
Watch the bodycam video below:
The video also shows the moments the girl draws a picture for the sergeant who responded to the call, handing it to her. VCSO says the sergeant will be keeping the picture in her patrol car.
