An investigation that lasted for a month of the Andalusia Police Department led to the arrests of a mom and stepfather who were accused of child abuse.
Investigator Al McGraw said the APD received a first report on October. 17 about a four-month-old infant with a fractured rib. The infant was taken into Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, in which it was found that the baby actually had three broken ribs located on that same body side. The bones were fractured in a linear fashion according to the doctors who consulted investigators.
After several interviews with suspects, doctors and relatives and suspects, it was discovered that the department had probable reason to warrant. The injuries are believed to have were sustained in August.
Joseph Anthony Garland, 35 Joseph Anthony Garland, 35, along with Cheyenne Justine Garland, 24 They were both arrested on Monday. Both were charged with willful abusing the child and is a class C felony. They are being held on $50,000 bond.
Investigator McGraw stated that the stepfather had been charged for committing criminal acts, while the mother was charged with inaction, for not having taken the time to provide the child with medical attention. The couple split up since the investigation began the investigator said.
Capt. Brett Holmes commended Investigator McGraw for his efforts in the investigation.
“Al has put in a lot of man hours on this particular case” Holmes said. “He did a impressive job in a complex case. He received great assistance from his coworkers who helped pick other cases so that they could focus on this particular one. Through his hard work, this little boy is now in a safer place.”
The story Mom and stepfather are accused of willful abuse of child was first reported in The Andalusia Star-News.
