Investigators said an 8-year-old girl was repeatedly beaten, neglected and forced to eat discarded food.
MIAMI, Fla. — A South Florida woman has been arrested on child abuse and neglect charges after investigators said her 8-year-old daughter was repeatedly beaten, left home alone for extended periods and forced to eat expired food or food taken from the trash. Authorities arrested 27-year-old Naseline Timouche on June 6 following a welfare check at her Miami-Dade County residence.
According to investigators, the case came to light after deputies responded to concerns about the child’s well-being and found evidence that matched allegations of long-term abuse. The arrest has drawn attention to questions about child welfare, supervision and intervention after authorities said the girl suffered physical injuries and neglect over an extended period. Timouche remains in custody while prosecutors move forward with the criminal case.
The investigation began when Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a welfare check at the home. During interviews with deputies, the girl described a pattern of abuse that she said occurred over time. Investigators reported finding numerous scars and marks on her body that were consistent with the allegations. The child told authorities she was frequently left alone for long stretches, including overnight. She also alleged that her mother struck her with household items, including a cord, a frying pan and a spatula. According to the arrest report, the girl said she was sometimes awakened from sleep and hit without warning. Investigators documented the child’s statements and compared them with visible injuries they observed during the welfare check. Authorities said the physical evidence appeared consistent with the account the child provided during questioning.
Among the most serious allegations were claims involving food deprivation. The child told deputies she was often prohibited from eating food kept inside the home because it was reserved for guests. Instead, she said she was forced to eat expired food or food retrieved from garbage containers. Investigators included those allegations in the arrest report alongside claims of repeated physical abuse. Authorities also reported that the girl described being struck in the face with a charging cable during one incident. Deputies later observed a facial scar that investigators believed was consistent with the allegation. Officials have not publicly released details about how long the alleged abuse lasted. Court records available at the time of the arrest did not indicate whether additional family members lived in the home or whether prior complaints had been made to authorities. Investigators have not announced whether other witnesses beyond those identified in the arrest documents will be called as the case proceeds.
The case gained additional support from statements provided by a neighbor who told investigators she had become concerned about the child’s welfare. According to the arrest report, the neighbor said she had known the girl for roughly two months and frequently found her without adult supervision. The neighbor told deputies that she sometimes allowed the child to stay at her home, where she provided meals and clean clothing. Investigators said the neighbor reported another encounter on June 5, when she found the child walking around unsupervised and again offered food and assistance. Such witness accounts often play a significant role in child abuse investigations because they can help establish patterns of behavior and corroborate statements made by alleged victims. Authorities have not disclosed whether school officials, medical professionals or social service agencies were involved before the welfare check that led to the arrest.
Legal proceedings are now expected to determine whether prosecutors can prove the allegations in court. Timouche was charged with aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm and child neglect, according to arrest records. Under Florida law, aggravated child abuse is a serious felony offense that can carry substantial penalties if a defendant is convicted. Investigators said Timouche admitted striking her daughter with a charging cable after being advised of her rights. Authorities also reported that she acknowledged returning home around 5 a.m. on one occasion when the child had been left alone. Defense attorneys and prosecutors are expected to review evidence, witness statements and medical findings as the case moves through the court system. Court dates beyond the initial proceedings had not been publicly announced at the time authorities released information about the arrest.
The allegations have generated concern among residents who learned details of the investigation through court filings and local news reports. Neighbors described a child who often appeared to need food, clothing and supervision. Investigators said the girl’s statements painted a picture of isolation and repeated mistreatment within the home. Child welfare advocates frequently note that abuse cases are often uncovered only after outside observers report troubling circumstances. In this case, authorities credited witness cooperation and the welfare check with bringing the allegations to light. While many questions remain unanswered, investigators say their focus remains on the child’s safety and recovery. The case now moves from the investigative stage into the judicial process, where evidence will be examined and allegations tested through court proceedings.
As of Tuesday, Timouche remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Authorities have not announced additional charges, and prosecutors are expected to continue reviewing evidence as the criminal case advances through the Florida court system.
Author note: Last updated June 9, 2026.