Indiana Man Sentenced to 9 Years After Plea Deal in Infant Skull Fracture Case.
A 26‑year‑old Wayne County man, Steven Allen Haggerty, has been sentenced to nine years in prison—followed by three years of probation—after pleading guilty to battering a 1‑month‑old infant, ending in a fractured skull and multiple other injuries
The disturbing case dates back to April 2023, when the infant was rushed to Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, presenting with skull, rib, and arm fractures along with minor brain bleeds. She was subsequently transferred to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis for further specialized treatment
Medical professionals from Riley’s child protection team concluded that the mix of fresh skull and arm fractures and healing rib breaks strongly indicated non‑accidental trauma, suggesting multiple episodes of abuse
Haggerty initially claimed he had tripped over a dog while holding the baby, causing her to fall into a bassinet. He later added a second version—alleging he dropped the infant while standing up from a couch, and she struck her head—before conceding that he lied to conceal the truth
Police also noted unusual bruising on the baby’s face, inconsistent with his explanations. Under further questioning, Haggerty admitted to “patting the baby on the face on multiple occasions and giving her ‘strong hugs’ to get her to stop crying”
After entering guilty pleas this October in Wayne Superior Court—one count of child battery and one count of neglect of a dependent—Haggerty received a 12-year sentence, with three years suspended, equating to nine years in prison plus three on probation
This alarming verdict highlights the gravity and pervasiveness of infant abuse. Judicial authorities hope the sentence delivers justice and serves as a stark warning about the severe consequences of child endangerment.
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