Children’s book author, engineer husband exposed for double life in house of horrors
A shocking case has emerged involving a Florida children’s author and her husband, who have been charged with abusing and neglecting their adopted children. Jennifer Wolfthal, the author of “A Real Friend,” and her husband, Joseph Wolfthal, an engineer for Lockheed Martin, pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse and neglect of a child with great bodily harm. The plea agreements reveal that Jennifer will be sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Joseph will serve 10 years behind bars.
The investigation into the Wolfthals began in 2021 when their 8-year-old adopted daughter was hospitalized with organ failure, unconscious, and covered in injuries. The couple also had two other adopted children, ages 9 and 11. Police reports indicate that the injuries sustained by the young girl were inconsistent with accidental falls, raising suspicions of abuse.
Upon visiting the family home, investigators found the other children showing signs of malnourishment, bruises, and neglect. Shockingly, the children’s bedrooms had doorknobs installed backward, with locks on the outside. Additionally, a disturbing discovery was made during a search of the home, with over 1,100 written paragraphs detailing a harrowing account of abuse and confinement.
The Wolfthals’ adopted children were swiftly removed from their care and placed with another family following the investigation. The author’s book, “A Real Friend,” remains available for purchase on Amazon, sparking outrage from reviewers who have been sharing news articles about the allegations against Jennifer.
This tragic case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable. The Wolfthals’ sentencing ensures that they will face significant time in prison for their heinous crimes, providing some measure of justice for the traumatized victims. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of child abuse to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.
