A Florida mother has been charged with child neglect after authorities say her toddler was injured by water from a hot hose and did not get medical care, according to WOKV and WGFL.
Jessica, 24, of Gainesville, was charged with child neglect resulting in great bodily harm. WGFL reports the case began when the child’s father, who shares custody, alerted authorities. He said he became worried after Jessica kept him from seeing their child for two months, and that when he finally saw the toddler he noticed significant scarring and contacted child services.
According to the reports, Jessica first told authorities the child had been treated after being burned by a babysitter. A Department of Children and Families investigation concluded that account was not true. Jessica then told authorities she had lied because she feared losing custody, and said the same fear kept her from seeking treatment. She said the child was sprayed by another child with a hose that had been sitting in the sun, and authorities said that version matched the child’s injuries.
Officials said the child was left permanently disfigured, with scars across the shoulders and neck. A charge is not a conviction, and the case will proceed through the court process.
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