A Jacksonville man has been charged with aggravated child abuse after a young boy arrived at a local hospital suffering from 25 fractures. According to an arrest report released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), the incident occurred on June 30 when Anthony Hildreth, 31, brought the child to medical facilities reporting that the toddler appeared to be having trouble breathing.
Medical Findings Reveal Severe Trauma
The boy underwent a comprehensive skeletal survey upon arrival at the hospital. The results were alarming: doctors identified 24 fractures on his ribs and one fracture to his femur. Medical personnel advised police that these specific injuries were likely caused by someone squeezing the child with "great force." This level of trauma indicates significant physical stress applied to the toddler's body, leading to immediate legal intervention.
Witness Account and Timeline
<An officer spoke with a female witness who confirmed she and Hildreth take shifts caring for the child. The witness stated that while under her care earlier in the day, the boy was gassy but otherwise uninjured and behaving normally. However, Hildreth took over sole care at 9:30 p.m. on June 29. Around 1 a.m., the witness was awakened by the sound of the child crying and heard that Hildreth was unable to soothe him.
"He noted he appeared to have trouble breathing, and they took him to the hospital," according to the arrest report detailing the events leading up to the medical emergency. The witness's testimony provided a critical timeline showing the child was healthy before Hildreth assumed responsibility for his care that night.
Hildreth’s Admissions and Legal Consequences
During police interviews, Hildreth admitted to squeezing the child's ribs in an attempt to relieve gas pains. He also described attempting "bicycle kicks," which involved pushing the boy's legs up toward his chest. Hildreth told investigators he became frustrated with the boy’s cries and his inability to soothe him. Later, he acknowledged that the pressure he applied could have caused the rib fractures.
Regarding the femur fracture, Hildreth denied knowing what caused it initially but later stated the boy's leg had become stuck in a swaddling device. He claimed he did not notice until he pulled harder on the device to free the child. Despite these explanations, authorities determined that the severity of the fractures warranted an arrest.
Bond and Release Conditions
Hildreth was arrested due to the nature of the injuries sustained by the minor. He is currently facing charges of aggravated child abuse. The court set his bond at $50,003, after which he was released from jail. His release comes with strict conditions designed to protect the victim and the community.
Terms of Hildreth's release include a prohibition on contact with the witness, the victim, or any other minor. Additionally, he is subject to GPS monitoring and faces a ban on possessing firearms or other weapons. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding child safety in Duval County as legal proceedings continue.
