A 20-year-old father was arrested for aggravated child abuse of a three-month-old baby in Central Florida.
Earlier this month, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to St. Joseph’s Hospital Main in Tampa regarding reports of a three-month-old baby with healing fractures to the ribs.
Through investigative efforts, detectives determined the baby’s father, 20-year-old Balin Simmons, forcefully squeezed the baby during multiple feedings to stop the baby from crying.
According to HCSO, Simmons was arrested and charged with seven counts of Aggravated Child Abuse (Aggravated Battery – Great Bodily Harm).
“It is infuriating to think that someone could do this to a helpless, innocent baby,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment. There are no excuses for such horrific behavior, only the certainty that our detectives will ensure this man faces the consequences of his actions.”
This remains an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
