Mother handled her 3-week-old baby roughly and broke the newborn’s bone in half, then waited two days before taking the baby to the hospital with her husband; couple sentenced
Oklahoma – In a disturbing case of child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma, a 25-year-old mother, identified as Jeannie R., and 24-year-old father, identified as Jacob R., have been sentenced to prison after their 3-week-old baby suffered severe injuries under their care. The parents faced the consequences of their actions in a federal court, highlighting a grave instance of parental failure.
The ordeal began in October 2022 when the couple brought their newborn to the hospital with injuries that raised immediate concern among medical staff. It was discovered that the infant’s femur was broken in half. The investigation revealed heart-wrenching details about the incident, primarily involving Jeannie, the mother of the child.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Jeannie was found guilty of both child abuse and child neglect in. She admitted to using “unreasonable force” during a routine diaper change, which tragically resulted in the severe injury to her baby’s leg. What made matters worse, Jeannie did not seek medical attention for the infant for more than 48 hours after the injury occurred. Judge S. Hill handed down a sentence to Jeannie, ordering her to serve five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The delay in seeking medical care and the severity of the injury played a significant role in the determination of her sentence.
Jacob, the father, was not present at the time of the incident but bore responsibility for his actions thereafter. Upon returning home from work and noticing the baby’s evident distress and injury, he failed to take immediate action. His neglect to seek medical assistance promptly led to his conviction on charges of child neglect. In June, Judge Hill sentenced Jacob to 24 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, recognizing his failure to act as a contributing factor to the prolonged suffering of the child.
The consequences of the couple’s actions extended beyond their prison sentences. The injured baby, along with a sibling, was removed from the parents’ custody. The children were placed with family members, ensuring their safety and well-being away from the harmful environment. The involvement of the FBI in the case underscored the seriousness of the offenses, given that Jeannie and the infant are citizens of the Creek Nation. This added a federal dimension to the proceedings, handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
As the legal process concluded, Jeannie awaited transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to begin her sentence. Jacob, already sentenced, was taken into custody to serve his term, marking the end of a sorrowful chapter for the family. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the critical responsibility parents hold in safeguarding the well-being of their children. It also highlights the collaborative efforts of local and federal authorities in addressing and rectifying instances of child abuse and neglect within the community.
