Suspected child abuse case uncovered

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -  Bond was set at $60,000 for a father accused of child abuse. Miky Sinaise was also ordered to stay away from six children investigators found inside a home at 725 Dogwood Lane.

Late Tuesday afternoon the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Children and Families swarmed into the residence.

Inside they say they found six children ranging from 8 months to 8 years old with bruising on their bodies and living in deplorable conditions.

Investigators say the house had a strong odor, there were numerous electrical wires hanging from the ceiling and walls in reach of the children and no food in cabinets or the refrigerator.

The backyard was strewn with debris.

They described a horrible site inside the small unassuming home. Neighbors were stunned. They had no idea eight people had taken up residence there.

"I thought the house was abandoned," says one neighbor.

The six children were taken into state custody. Authorities say Sinaise beat them in the chest and back with the flat end of a machete. He was immediately arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect.

Their mother was not charged but remains under evaluation by deputies.

Neighbors intently watched the scene unfold.

"We are investigating this case with law enforcement and making sure the children are safe and any medical needs are taken care of. The department's first priority is the physical, mental and emotional health of the children. The children are seen at a hospital with follow-up from the health department's child protection team," says Elisa Cramer, Director of Communications for DCF.

A number of complaints came into the department which led to the investigation. The sheriff's office is still investigating whether the parents were living here with the kids illegally or renting it.

According to a probable cause affidavit Sinaise admitted that he hit the children with the flat part of a machete due to being stressed out and that he knew he went too far with the discipline.