The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives were called to the Riverside Hospital in Franklinton Thursday, March 14, in response to a 9-week-old child who was in a life threatening condition.

When detectives arrived at the hospital, they discovered an infant who was severely dehydrated and malnourished. According to the attending physician, the child was within hours of death. The father of the child and his fiancé were present at the hospital. Both adults were arrested and placed in the Washington Parish Jail on charges of second degree cruelty to a juvenile. The infant was placed in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

Both arrested adults admitted to Sheriff’s Office detectives that they lived in a small rental trailer with no bathroom or kitchen facilities. Further, they stated that the infant had not been bathed in over a month and that three other adults lived in the trailer with them.

The investigation continues and detectives have obtained warrants for three additional residents of the trailer. Arrests are expected soon for Amber Newman, Jonathan Newman and Jeanie Cristina Goynes.

At this time, Jeremy Denny, 26, and Cassie Hutton, 26, remain in the Washington Parish Jail under a bond of $75,000 each.

Capt. Sorrell stated, “This is one of the most disturbing abuse cases I have seen in quite some time. Five adults living in a house, and not one could be responsible enough to put a bottle in this baby’s mouth.”

Upon learning of the arrests, Sheriff Randy Seal stated, “This is almost beyond belief. In my wildest imagination, I cannot understand how any adult can allow an innocent and helpless baby to starve and not even have the decency to give the child a bath. I am so pleased that our detectives were able to respond to this child in need and make quick arrests. Victims in Washington Parish, regardless of their age, must be protected.”