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A Florida woman has been arrested on serious charges after allegedly abusing her 8-year-old stepdaughter, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The disturbing allegations include the woman pouring salt and hot sauce into the child’s mouth and causing physical injuries by jumping on her back, resulting in the girl’s hospitalization.
Authorities report that Melirose Joncky, 42, subjected the girl to severe physical abuse. “While [the victim] was on the ground, Melirose walked on her back, jumping up and down, causing her pain,” the sheriff’s office stated. The girl also reportedly suffered a head injury when Joncky allegedly slammed the back of her head into the floor, leaving a large abrasion on her forehead.
The child further told investigators that Joncky used phone chargers to strike her, which caused multiple cuts on her arms, legs, back, and face. Additional accusations include choking and being hit with kitchen items such as a knife and a pot. The victim described being forced to swallow an entire bottle of hot sauce and a mouthful of salt as forms of punishment.
The abuse came to light when the girl arrived at school with visible injuries, including two black eyes, a large contusion on her forehead, dried blood from her ears, and multiple scratches on her arms and neck. Concerned, the school counselor alerted the sheriff’s office.
Medical treatment revealed the child had fractured ribs, arm and foot fractures, and scalp hematomas. Doctors also noted ligature marks consistent with the use of a phone cord. The victim shared that Joncky would pour hot sauce on her existing injuries.
When questioned, Joncky denied the abuse, attributing the girl’s injuries to acne and accidental falls. She claimed the black eyes were the result of the child running into a wall.
Joncky appeared in court last Friday and was ordered held without bond. The presiding judge expressed deep concern over the safety of the child, stating, “I’ve never read anything like this. Based upon what’s alleged, I have serious concerns for the victim’s safety.”
No future court dates have been scheduled at this time. The investigation into the case continues.