Pastor’s daughter ate KFC and Popeyes while her foster kids starved, made them bathe with ‘garden hose’ and use bucket for toilet as her child got access to a bathroom: Cops – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Fort Pierce police have charged a local pastor with five counts of child neglect after an investigation revealed stark differences in how she treated five foster children compared with her own daughter. The children, all siblings between the ages of 4 and 9, reportedly went without regular meals and basic hygiene while the biological child received fast food and full access to working facilities. Authorities acted on an anonymous tip that highlighted the pastor’s position in the community as a reason the concerns had gone unreported for so long.
Stark Contrasts in Daily Treatment
According to the arrest warrant, the foster children often missed dinner and went to bed hungry. One child described how the pastor’s daughter received meals such as KFC or Popeyes while the others received only school leftovers or ramen noodles when they ate at all. The same child told investigators that permission to use the sole working bathroom was granted primarily to the biological daughter.
The foster children instead relied on a bucket for toilet needs. They were also required to shower on the front patio using a garden hose, with siblings taking turns holding a sheet for privacy. The pastor later acknowledged that one restroom was out of order for repairs, yet the children and school staff reported ongoing issues with hygiene and odor.
Effects at School and in the Community
School personnel and the children themselves described regular bullying tied to poor hygiene and lack of clean clothes. One child reportedly received perfume or spray at school to mask the smell and reduce teasing from classmates. A community member who occasionally hosted the children noted that their living room carried a strong odor after overnight stays…