A man who is currently serving prison time for being convicted of his sixth and seventh OWI is now facing additional charges that could result in decades behind bars. Authorities have accused him of abusing children under his care.
Daniel Tlusty, aged 41, was convicted in January 2024 and is currently serving a 4.5-year sentence. These convictions were obtained during the same proceeding last year. Upon his release, he will also be under three years of extended supervision.
Prosecutors filed charges on Thursday, including four counts of physical abuse of a child with repeated acts causing bodily harm and two counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety with an enhancement for use of a dangerous weapon.
During the interview, Tlusty revealed that a few of the spankings occurred in the garage, away from prying eyes.
According to the complaint, the defendant refused to comment on whether any of the children had sustained injuries after being spanked when questioned.
Tlusty admitted that he couldn’t remember if he had disciplined the child for defecating in their room.
The complaint also mentions letters sent to the children and their mother between September and November of last year. Investigators described them as largely composed of Biblical material. A lengthy excerpt from one of the letters refers to a scriptural message Tlusty said “was appropriate for us in here, especially,” and later quoted a verse as saying ‘Endure hardship as discipline God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined and everyone undergoes discipline then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughter at all. Moreover, we all have had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.’”
The children responded to the letters in a straightforward manner, expressing their disbelief in Tlusty’s words and their lack of interest in maintaining any contact with him.
Under Wisconsin law, the abuse charges are considered Class E felonies, while the reckless endangerment charges fall under Class G felonies. If convicted, Class E felonies can lead to a maximum of 15 years in prison, whereas Class G felonies can result in up to 10 years of incarceration. Additionally, fines of up to $50,000 and $25,000 may be imposed, respectively.