Pastor’s daughter ate KFC and Popeyes while her foster kids starved, made them bathe with ‘garden hose’ and use bucket for toilet as her child got full access to a bathroom: Cops

A Florida pastor is facing serious felony charges after authorities alleged that she subjected five young foster children to severe neglect while providing significantly better treatment to her biological daughter. Investigators say the children were often left hungry, forced to bathe outdoors with a garden hose, and required to use a bucket as a toilet, while the pastor’s daughter enjoyed fast-food meals and regular access to a functioning bathroom.

The accused, 59-year-old Gwendolyn Rolle of Fort Pierce, Florida, was arrested and charged with five counts of felony child neglect without causing great bodily harm following an investigation by local law enforcement. The allegations emerged after police received an anonymous tip describing troubling conditions inside the home.

Investigation Began After Anonymous Tip

According to court documents and the arrest warrant, the investigation started on June 2 when authorities received information from a concerned individual who claimed Rolle was mistreating children in her care. The tipster reportedly told police they had been reluctant to come forward because Rolle was a pastor and held a respected position within the community.

The caller alleged that the foster children were being treated poorly and deprived of basic necessities. These allegations prompted investigators to interview the children, school personnel, and others familiar with the family’s circumstances.

Pastor Allegedly Took In Siblings After Their Father Left

During the investigation, Rolle reportedly told authorities that she had taken in five siblings ranging in age from 4 to 9 years old after their father abandoned them. Police noted that Rolle was not a licensed foster parent, despite having custody of the children.

Investigators ultimately concluded that the children were living in conditions that differed dramatically from those experienced by Rolle’s biological daughter.

Foster Children Reportedly Went Hungry While Daughter Received Fast Food

One of the most disturbing allegations involved food deprivation. According to the arrest warrant, several children told investigators they frequently went to bed hungry because Rolle sometimes refused to give them dinner.

Authorities allege that while the foster children struggled to obtain adequate food, Rolle’s biological daughter was regularly provided meals from popular fast-food restaurants, including KFC and Popeyes. The difference in treatment became a central focus of the investigation.

Children Survived on Leftovers and Ramen Noodles

The arrest documents further allege that when the children were fed, meals often consisted of leftovers obtained from school or simple ramen noodle packets. The children claimed they did not receive the same quality or quantity of food as Rolle’s daughter.

Investigators viewed these allegations as evidence of a pattern of neglect and favoritism within the household.

Allegations of Outdoor Bathing and Lack of Hygiene

Police say the children described being forced to bathe outside on the home’s front patio using a garden hose. According to investigators, one child would hold up a sheet to provide privacy while another child showered with the hose. The children reportedly rotated these responsibilities among themselves.

The allegations raised concerns about the children’s health and hygiene, especially considering their young ages.

School Staff Reportedly Noticed Hygiene Problems

School employees allegedly informed investigators that the children were frequently bullied because of body odor and unclean clothing. Authorities said the children often appeared unable to shower regularly or wear clean clothes.

One child reportedly told police that school staff sometimes provided perfume or body spray so she could mask the smell and avoid being teased by classmates.

Bathroom Access Restricted to Pastor’s Daughter

According to investigators, bathroom access inside the home was also heavily restricted. Rolle reportedly told authorities that only one bathroom in the residence was operational because another was undergoing repairs.

However, children told investigators that the functioning bathroom could only be accessed through Rolle’s locked bedroom. They claimed the bedroom door remained locked most of the time and that they needed her permission to use the bathroom.

Children Allegedly Forced to Use a Bucket

The children reported that because access to the bathroom was limited, they were often required to use a bucket as a toilet. Meanwhile, investigators say Rolle’s biological daughter had routine access to the bathroom facilities.

The alleged arrangement became another example cited by authorities of unequal treatment within the household.

Physical Abuse Allegations Surface During Investigation

Beyond neglect allegations, the children also accused Rolle of physical abuse. According to the arrest warrant, the children claimed she slapped them in the face and struck them on other occasions.

Investigators further allege that Rolle verbally abused the children, calling them derogatory names, including “bastards.” These accusations added to concerns about the children’s overall welfare and treatment.

Community Member Described Concerning Conditions

A member of the community who had interacted with the children reportedly provided additional information to investigators. The individual told police that the children occasionally stayed at her home and that she was concerned about their condition.

According to the arrest warrant, the witness said the children arrived hungry and in need of basic necessities. She claimed she attempted to provide them with food, clothing, and toys. However, she alleged that Rolle would confiscate those items and either discard them or give them to her biological daughter.

The witness also reportedly described a strong odor coming from the children, which she attributed to inadequate bathing and poor hygiene.

Arrest and Criminal Charges

Following the investigation, authorities arrested Rolle and charged her with five counts of felony child neglect without causing great bodily harm. The charges relate to the treatment of the five children between the ages of 4 and 9 who were living in her care.

Law enforcement officials allege that the neglect involved food deprivation, inadequate hygiene, restricted bathroom access, and other conditions that endangered the children’s welfare.

Release From Jail and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

After her arrest, Rolle was released from custody after posting bond. Court records indicate that she has been assigned a public defender to represent her in the criminal proceedings.

As the case moves through the legal system, prosecutors will seek to determine whether the evidence supports the allegations made by the children, witnesses, and investigators. The charges remain allegations, and Rolle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Case Raises Concerns About Child Welfare

The allegations have generated significant public attention because they involve a community religious leader entrusted with the care of vulnerable children. Investigators described a stark contrast between the treatment allegedly received by Rolle’s biological daughter and that experienced by the five children under her care.

The case continues to be monitored by local authorities and child welfare officials as the criminal proceedings move forward.