Brothers removed from Boca-area home describe yearslong sexual abuse at mother’s hand

PBSO: Repeated payments of $35 to $200 in couples’ account

Federal investigators worked with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the trio, spending weeks combing through their online accounts and transactions. Investigators did not find footage of the abuse but noted that on the day after their investigation began, someone erased 33 videos from an online account linked to the couple.

The website that hosted the since-deleted videos markets itself as a “moral-free” site for users to “upload your goodies.” It warns those who visit it: “If you want to blame someone for the content of this site, blame the freaks of the world — not us.”

Investigators found repeated payments to the adults’ accounts ranging from $35 to $200. Most had no description listed, with the exception of one recurring transaction labeled “Tech support.”

While agents mined the couples’ internet history, deputies interviewed the boys again and again, their statements consistent. The children described the flash of a camera that accompanied the abuse and the nightmares they continued to have.

“When we’re done, can we talk about happiness?” one boy asked after describing it another time.

Boys told investigators some abuse involved hitting, spitting

The boys said that in addition to sexual abuse, the adults hit, slapped, cursed and spit at them, sometimes yanking them hard enough to leave a bruise. One son recalled holding onto his younger brother’s arm while their mother pulled the other arm, intent on dragging him into her room.

“I was crying and sobbing,” one boy said. He recalled a particular incident as “the longest night of my life.”

The arrest reports are heavily redacted, making it difficult to discern each adult’s role in the abuse. One child mentioned that a man who knew what was happening to the children did not defend them, instead locking eyes with them through the mother’s open bedroom door and walking away. The reports do not indicate if this man was one of the two facing charges.

During an FBI raid of their home off State Road 7, investigators said they found sex toys, cameras and other recording equipment used to livestream the boys’ abuse.

Circuit Judge Donald Hafele denied bail for the three adults during a hearing at the county jail on Wednesday, one day after their arrests. Hafele ordered that if a different judge ever sets bail for the trio, the defendants must show that the money they use to bond out did not come from any illicit activity.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Conclusion

This case of child sexual abuse highlights the urgent need to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). It is crucial to create a society where children are protected from all forms of abuse and have access to the necessary support and resources to recover and thrive.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses child sexual abuse, which is a violation of children’s rights and a form of gender-based violence. It also highlights the need for justice and strong institutions to address and prevent such abuse.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

The article discusses the sexual abuse of children, particularly boys, and highlights the need to eliminate all forms of violence against children and women/girls.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

The article mentions child sexual abuse and the involvement of multiple individuals. These indicators can be used to measure the prevalence of violence against children and women/girls and track progress in addressing and preventing such abuse.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: palmbeachpost.com

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