7 disciplined for mishandling case of girl found in freezer

Published: Updated:

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – Seven employees at a Florida agency that investigates child abuse have been disciplined for mishandling allegations of abuse involving a woman whose daughter’s body was found inside a freezer.

The Bradenton Herald reports the most severe punishment handed down to Manatee County Sheriff’s Child Protective Division employees was two days without pay.

Authorities say the body of 11-year-old Janiya Thomas was found Oct. 18 in a freezer that her mother had delivered to a relative’s house. After hearing reports that the child was missing, the freezer was opened and the body found.

Her mother, Keishanna Thomas, faces first-degree murder and other charges.

A state reported noted that child protective services investigators and partnering agencies for years failed to accurately assess the pattern of violence at the Thomas home.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.