Florida children’s author Jennifer Wolfthal, known for her book A Real Friend, and her husband Joseph Wolfthal, have been sentenced to 12 and 10 years in prison, respectively, after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse and neglect.
The investigation began in 2021 when their 8-year-old adopted daughter was hospitalised with organ failure and severe injuries.
Authorities discovered two other adopted children showing signs of malnourishment and abuse, including locked bedrooms and written punishments.
Over 1,100 disturbing notes written by the children detailing their mistreatment and instances of abuse.
“My body stays flat on the bed at all times. I was never given permission to move or say anything. Now I get to write about this along with everything else. I am a fool,” said one note.
The children have since been placed with a new guardian.
