Jennifer Wolfthal, a children's author once known for writing heartwarming tales, and her husband, Joseph, admitted Monday to abusing their adopted children for years.
The couple pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse and neglect of a child with great bodily harm in Seminole County, Florida, according to WESH. Prosecution dismissed three additional kidnapping charges.
The investigation began in 2021, when one of the couple's adopted daughters was rushed to a hospital unconscious, injured and suffering from organ failure, authorities said.
The children described being beaten with a device they called a "whacker," which left them bleeding. They also endured sparse meals of bran flakes mixed with water and vegetable puree, according to police.
Bathroom access was restricted. Punishments included being drenched with cold water while confined to their beds, investigators noted per WESH.
Jennifer authored the children's book, "A Real Friend." The book remains available for purchase on Amazon, accompanied by a publisher's note that says, "We were made aware of horrific news regarding one-time, Clavis' author Jennifer Wolfthal's arrest and strongly condemn child abuse, abandonment and neglect, today and always. We will do what's within our power to cease commercialization of her book further."
The judge stated the couple could have faced sentences exceeding 100 years. However, a plea deal resulted in Jennifer receiving 12 years in prison and Joseph 10 years. The agreement was partly made to shield the children from the trauma of testifying, the State Attorney's Office explained.
The children have reportedly experienced improvements in their health since being removed from the Wolfthals' home.
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