Two Florida adults have been arrested after police say a young girl was subjected to repeated abuse, including being forced to drink hot sauce despite having an allergy — a punishment investigators described as both disturbing and bizarre.

Ashley Eldredge, 37, and Robert Eldredge, 38, were taken into custody following an investigation by the Cocoa Police Department, which began after authorities received allegations of abuse last week.

According to an affidavit, the girl told investigators she was made to ingest hot sauce as punishment whenever she was accused of lying — even though it caused her physical distress.

“The victim stated that the hot sauce made her stomach hurt and causes her to vomit,” the affidavit said. She told authorities the punishment happened roughly 10 times and resulted in her throwing up about half the time.

Police say the alleged abuse did not stop there.

The girl also claimed Robert Eldredge physically disciplined her with various objects, including a belt and a spoon. In one account detailed in the affidavit, she said she was struck approximately 15 times with his hand.

When asked why she was being punished, the girl reportedly told investigators it stemmed from an incident where she put “ink on the cat,” which she described as part of an “experiment.” Authorities noted the meaning of that explanation remains unclear.

Robert Eldredge acknowledged to police that he had used a belt on the girl, telling investigators he “whooped her ass” as punishment. He also claimed that some bruises may have been the result of self-harm, though he admitted responsibility for others.

Additional details in the affidavit reference other unclear punishments, including one incident tied to the girl “writing the same 14 sentences,” though investigators did not elaborate on what that meant.

Both Ashley and Robert Eldredge were booked into the Brevard County Jail. Ashley Eldredge’s bond was set at $5,000, while Robert Eldredge’s bond was set at $50,000, according to jail records.

They have each been charged with child abuse without great bodily harm, categorized as simple assault. Their next court appearance is scheduled for April 7.

The case has raised serious concerns about the use of extreme and harmful punishments, particularly those that can trigger physical reactions or medical complications in children.

Authorities have not released further details about the girl’s condition.