FLORIDA — A Fort Walton Beach woman has been arrested and charged with two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm after two young children in her care were found with severe burns, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas on Tuesday following an investigation that began late Monday night, when authorities were called to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Hospital. Hospital staff reported treating two children, ages three and five, who had “severe, untreated burns” on the palms of their hands.
According to the sheriff’s office, a family member told investigators that Soto Duenas admitted to intentionally placing the children’s hands on a hot griddle and holding them there because she was frustrated with them for asking for more food after they had already eaten. She reportedly did not seek medical treatment for the children after the incident, which allegedly occurred early Dec. 2 at a trailer on Barks Drive.
The children were later transported to the USA Burn Center in Mobile for specialized care. The case remains under investigation.
