Lebanon County Couple Arrested For Abusing 3-Month-Old Infant

November 19, 2020 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced today that a Lebanon couple has been arrested for endangering the welfare of their 3-month-old infant child.

“Our investigation determined that this infant suffered approximately 20 bone fractures while in the care and custody of the defendants – it’s unconscionable,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “My office will hold these defendants accountable and continue to protect those who are the most vulnerable across Pennsylvania.”

On April 21, 2020, Jessica Glant took her 3-month-old infant to Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital due to a fever. Her partner and the infant’s father, Rafael Sanchez, was under medical care related to contracting the COVID-19. The infant was examined by medical personnel, which included the use of an x-ray to determine if the infant had contracted the coronavirus. The victim’s x-ray showed multiple healing bilateral fractures to the ribcage and doctors observed bruising to the baby’s abdomen.

Following the x-ray, the infant was transported to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The victim was further examined and additional bone fractures were diagnosed, including: fractures to both femurs, both tibias and the left clavicle. Pediatricians determined that the infant had suffered approximately 20 bone fractures. As a result, the infant was removed from the custody of Glant and Sanchez by county child protective services while still hospitalized.

The Office of Attorney General obtained jurisdiction over the case in May 2020 after a referral from the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office.

The OAG investigation consulted with medical experts in child abuse injuries and conducted an in depth review of the child’s medical history.  It was determined that the injuries were consistent with child abuse.

Investigators also determined that Glant and Sanchez were the infant’s exclusive caregivers during the period between the birth of the child and the discovery of the injuries. Neither parent sought medical care for the infant who, according to experts, would have been in substantial pain and distress from this abuse.

Reports of child abuse should be sent to OAG Safe2Say Something (844) 723-2729 or the PA ChildLine 1-800-932-0313.

Glant and Sanchez have each been charged with on count of endangering the welfare of children. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Daniel J. Dye. All charges discussed are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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