Fla. caregiver arrested after 10-month-old loses sight from severe child abuse injuries

LIVE OAK, Fla. (TCD) — Deputies recently arrested a babysitter on suspicion of abusing an infant in her care, causing serious injuries that will impact the rest of the victim’s life.

According to a news release from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, Jan. 14, Suwannee County Fire personnel responded to the 7500 block of U.S. 90 in reference to a 10-month-old baby experiencing a seizure. The child’s caregiver, 39-year-old Heather Hogan, reportedly told paramedics the infant suffered a seizure before falling off the couch twice.

Paramedics transported the child to a local hospital and called in the sheriff’s office because they determined the baby’s injuries were consistent with child abuse.

The victim sustained extensive bruising, a broken clavicle bone with a “large bruise extending from the front of their shoulder up around their neck that appeared to have occurred several days prior.” Additionally, the child tested positive for cannabis.

According to the sheriff’s office, the baby suffered injuries to the inside of the mouth and multiple bruises in different stages of healing. The baby had fractured bones in the spine and leg consistent with forceful yanking on the leg and impact on a hard surface.

The sheriff’s office said the baby also sustained subdural hematomas and lost the ability to see.

Medical professionals believe the victim will have long-term disabilities because of the alleged abuse.

Upon further investigation, the sheriff’s office identified Hogan as the primary suspect and obtained a warrant for her arrest.

Hogan was arrested and booked into the Suwannee County Jail on Feb. 14 on charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect. She remains held on $600,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office wrote, “This case of abuse is sadly one of the worst our investigators have encountered. It is incomprehensible how such cruelty towards an innocent child can take place in a civilized society.”

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