FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A Fort Walton Beach area woman has been charged with two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm after two children in her care were brought to a local hospital with what were described as suspected second- and third-degree burns to their hands, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) announced Wednesday.
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Deputies arrested 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas and booked her into the Okaloosa County Jail, where she is being held without bond. Ms Duenas is also on hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the OCSO.
Deputies were called to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Hospital around 10:30 p.m. on Monday after two children, ages three and five, were brought in with severe, untreated burns to the palms of their hands.
A family member told deputies that Ms Duenas allegedly admitted she intentionally placed both children’s hands on a hot griddle and held them there because she was frustrated they were asking for more food after already eating.
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According to the OCSO, Ms Duenas is said to have failed to seek medical attention for the children following the incident. Deputies learned the burns reportedly occurred at a trailer on Barks Drive in the early morning hours of December 2.
The children were transported to the USA Burn Center in Mobile, Alabama, for treatment.
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