CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. (TCN) —Â A couple was recently convicted of abusing an infant, causing multiple fractures.
The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release that a jury found 30-year-old Derrick Bessix guilty on Aug. 22 of second-degree cruelty to children and contributing to the dependency of a minor. Kenner was convicted of contributing to the dependency of a minor “for failing to provide proper parental care, which resulted in the child needing protection from the court.” They’re scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.
According to prosecutors, the investigation began on Sept. 15, 2020, after a doctor observed signs of possible child abuse during the 4-month-old victim’s appointment. The infant was reportedly transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for evaluation, which revealed he had numerous fractures to the ribs and legs, including leg fractures that happened recently.
The district attorney’s office said prosecutors argued Bessix “caused the leg fracture,” and the couple “failed to ensure the well-being of their child.”
Over a dozen witnesses testified against the defendants, including pediatricians, a child abuse pediatrician, a Division of Family and Child Services worker, law enforcement, and relatives.
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