RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA) — A Riverview man was arrested Thursday for allegedly abusing an 8-month-old he was supposed to be taking care of, according to deputies.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said their investigation began on Feb. 18, 2024, when a mother rushed her baby to a hospital after learning her child suffered severe injuries while in the care of suspect James Clark, 33.
According to deputies, the victim’s mother left the baby with Clark while she worked, but Clark later called her, saying the baby burned their hand with a cup of hot chocolate.
However, once she got home, the mother found bruises all over her baby’s body and other injuries, the sheriff’s office said.
Detectives said medical personnel found that the baby suffered “injuries to the ears from high-velocity force, broken blood vessels, a non-displaced left parietal fracture, and a significant burn needing skin grafting.”
“The magnitude of this case is indescribable; the thought that someone could inflict such harm on a defenseless eight-month-old baby is sickening,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We are disgusted by this man’s actions and will ensure that he is held accountable for his cruelty. We’re committed to making sure every child is secure and protected.”
Clark was charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse, child abuse, and child neglect.
