A Bartow County man faces 26 charges after authorities say his 26-day-old daughter suffered multiple fractures and visible bruising.
The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office booked 33-year-old Robert Michael McNeely of Amberidge Drive on Wednesday, May 6th. Deputies charged him with 19 counts of aggravated battery, one count of aggravated assault, four counts of battery, one count of cruelty to a child in the first degree for allegedly maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain, and one count of cruelty to a child in the second degree by criminal negligence causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain.
According to the sheriff’s report, the infant’s parents took the baby to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on Tuesday, May 5th, after their pediatrician recommended they seek care for bruising on the child’s cheeks and back. Medical staff discovered the infant had fractures throughout her body. A nurse at the hospital contacted law enforcement and the Department of Child and Family Services.
A Bartow County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the report later that afternoon. He notified investigators, who then went to the hospital to interview the family and medical staff. The staff admitted the baby for further treatment.
The investigation remains active. The infant continues to receive medical care.