Florida Couple Arrested For Forcing Child to Drink Hot Sauce

Robert and Ashley Eldredge of Florida were arrested on March 13 and booked into the Brevard County Jail on charges of child abuse. The charges stem from allegations that the couple forced their daughter to drink homemade hot sauce as a form of punishment for lying.

Court documents indicate the child claimed this punishment occurred on multiple occasions. Specifically, on March 11, she stated her mother made her ingest a spoonful of the hot sauce mixture after being accused of putting ink on the cat. The child also reported being left home alone for nearly three hours on the same date.

During the investigation, authorities observed visible welts and bruises on the daughter's legs. She attributed these injuries to being struck with a belt and a hand by her parents, and also by a wooden spoon. Robert Eldredge allegedly admitted to using a belt, while Ashley reportedly confirmed forcing the child to ingest the hot sauce and witnessing her vomit afterward.

The couple's next court date is scheduled for April 7. Attorneys for the Eldredges did not immediately respond to a request for comment.