Brevard County Couple Face Abuse Charges for Alleged Force of Strange and Dangerous Punishment

suspects identified as Robert Eldredge, 38, and Ashley Eldredge, 37, from Cocoa

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Cocoa Police arrested two individuals accused of abusing a child, including allegations that the victim was forced to consume hot sauce despite having a known allergy.

According to investigators, Robert Eldredge, 38, and Ashley Eldredge, 37, were taken into custody following an inquiry by the Cocoa Police Department that began on March 12 after reports of possible child abuse.

Police say the child described repeated physical punishment, alleging she was struck with a belt and a wooden spoon. Officers noted visible bruising consistent with those claims during their investigation.

The victim also told authorities she was made to ingest hot sauce as a form of discipline for allegedly lying, despite informing the adults of her allergy. She described the mixture as containing red peppers, onions, and oil, stating it caused stomach pain and frequently led to vomiting.

Investigators report the child estimated the punishment occurred roughly ten times, with about half of those incidents resulting in her becoming ill.

Both individuals are now facing child abuse charges as the case moves forward, according to official records.

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