A married Treasure Coast couple faces charges after being accused of holding a teen against his will, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said Tuesday they arrested Kristofer Dane White, 32, and Ashley Lynn White, 26, following an investigation prompted by a concerned family member, the sheriff's office says.
Investigators said the victim is a 15-years-old.
The sheriff's office said that evidence revealed that the teen was often beaten and held against his will in his room for several hours each day, and that there was a lock on the outside of the door.
Kristofer White works for the Florida Department of Corrections at the Martin Correctional Institution, according to the sheriff's office.
“Children are one of the most vulnerable members of our society,” St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken J. Mascara said in a statement. “Our office takes serious any claim of abuse toward a child and investigates them thoroughly. This case is of utmost concern, not only because of its severity, but because the suspect is a member of the law enforcement profession.”
A medical evaluation determined the victim showed signs of malnutrition, Mascara said.
The Whites face multiple child abuse and neglect charges.