Fond du Lac couple charged with child abuse

FOND DU LAC (WITI) — A Fond du Lac couple is charged with child abuse after authorities say the mother used a rolling pin, horse whip and other objects to beat two boys over several years, and the father didn't stop it.

Authorities say the abuse may have been going on since 2008.

The criminal complaint says 46-year-old Jeana Riehl beat two children with objects that caused bleeding. She also allegedly withheld food and locked one in a bathroom for weeks.

46-year-old Troy Riehl faces charges related to failing to protect the children.

An older sibling alerted authorities to the situation last week after the mother beat one of the children with a hunting arrow because she found candy wrappers under the child's bed.

An attorney for Jeana Riehl had no comment. It was not clear if Troy Riehl had an attorney.

The complaint says Jeana Riehl downplayed the abuse to police.

Three other children in the house say they were rarely or never hit. An adult son outside the home reported he'd also been abused.