ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida man is accused of locking a child in a sweltering laundry room, withholding food and water, and subjecting two kids to years of abuse.

Volusia Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 42-year-old William Conner of Ormond Beach after a Department of Children and Families investigation was referred to the agency in May.

Investigators say the 12-year-old boy was the primary target of the alleged abuse and was deprived of food and water while being forced to stay inside a detached laundry room.

According to detectives, the child told investigators he was forced to use a bucket as a toilet and was monitored by a camera inside the room.

The boy also alleged Conner gave him food contaminated with animal feces and water mixed with urine. The child said he became sick and vomited after discovering what he had consumed, and that Conner “laughed” in response.

Detectives say the child also reported being struck with a studded belt, electronic cords, and plastic spatulas.

Investigators say Conner would use a two-way audio system connected to the camera to monitor the child and, at times, allegedly force him to stay awake through the night by yelling at him if he fell asleep.

The 14-year-old female victim was also allegedly subjected to similar mistreatment on some occasions, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Thank God these kids are free from this abuse today,” the Volusia Sheriff’s Office wrote in the arrest announcement on Facebook. “Without giving too much detail, they’re in a safe environment now.”

Detectives determined there was probable cause to charge Conner with two counts of child abuse and two counts of child neglect.

A second person, 33-year-old Samantha Lucas, was also arrested and faces two counts of child neglect.

Both Conner and Lucas were booked into the Volusia County Jail and have since bonded out, according to jail records.