Children’s book author, husband arrested on child abuse charges in Seminole County

CASSELBERRY, Fla. —

A children’s book author from Casselberry and her husband are facing more charges after an 8-year-old in their care was taken to the hospital "critically ill."

Jennifer Wolfthal, 41, of Casselberry was arrested New Year's Day on charges of aggravated child abuse and neglect. Her husband, Joseph Wolfthal, 39, was arrested Monday on similar charges.

Joseph Wofthal faces three counts of false imprisonment and three counts of child neglect. Jennifer Wolfthal was arrested again Tuesday and also charged with false imprisonment.

An 8-year-old in their care was taken to the hospital "critically ill," according to the arrest report.

Jennifer Wolfthal told authorities the injuries to the child were from a series of falls and mishaps, but medical experts didn't agree.

The 8-year-old is still in the hospital and the other children, ages 9 and 11, are in protective care after battling malnutrition and infections.

The arrest report for Joseph Wolfthal indicates that the doorknobs on the children's bedrooms were installed with the locking mechanism on the outside of the room and that papers found at the home included someone writing “my body stays flat on the bed at all times."

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office isn’t' commenting on the case, saying the arrest reports speak for themselves.

The arrest report indicates the desire of investigators that Joseph Wolfthal not have any contact with his wife or the kids if he’s released.

A judge on Tuesday set his bond at $210,000.