Florida Department of Children and Families

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Kohnert and his wife Jennifer Kohnert face charges of aggravated child abuse and other offenses after their 12-year-old adoptive daughter reported severe physical and mental abuse, including being locked in a bedroom, forced to clean bodily fluids with harsh chemicals, and subjected to distressing information about her biological parents. Kohnert, on administrative leave, appeared in court as prosecutors upgraded the case to a first-degree felony.

A 2-year-old child died in Hallandale Beach after being left in a hot car, highlighting the importance of safety steps to prevent such tragedies. Over 50% of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths occur when caregivers forget children in vehicles, with temperatures inside cars rising rapidly even in mild outdoor conditions.

Florida reduced its SNAP payment error rate to 12.97% but remains above the national average and the threshold under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), requiring a nearly $1 billion state contribution. The USDA highlighted accountability concerns, and the state plans to allocate $4 million to address errors in the 2026-27 budget.

A Florida man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a teenage girl, hiding her inside a clothes dryer at his Key Largo home, and engaging in unlawful sexual activity with her. The victim called 911 to report being held hostage and was found without life-threatening injuries. Authorities, including the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and FBI, recovered the girl and collected evidence, including counterfeit currency.

A Key Largo man was arrested after a teenage girl was found hidden in a dryer and held against her will. Christopher Michael Veit, 53, faces charges including kidnapping, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Deputies discovered the victim in the dryer after she called 911, and evidence of counterfeit currency was found.

A 53-year-old Key Largo man faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and unlawful sexual activity with a minor, after deputies found a teenage girl held inside a clothes dryer at his home. The girl, 16 or 17, called 911 to report being held hostage, and deputies discovered counterfeit currency during the investigation.

A 38-year-old Big Pine Key man, Jamie Allan Koval, faces charges including DUI, child neglect, and threatening a sheriff’s deputy and their family after being arrested for driving under the influence with his 6-year-old daughter in the vehicle. During his arrest, Koval allegedly threatened to sexually assault the deputy’s wife and daughter and admitted to being under the influence of marijuana.