JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 31-year-old Jacksonville man has been charged with aggravated child abuse after bringing a young boy to the hospital with severe injuries, according to an arrest report released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). The charges follow medical findings that revealed the child suffered from multiple fractures, including breaks to his ribs and femur. Anthony Hildreth was arrested on June 30 following the incident at a local healthcare facility.
Medical Findings Reveal Severe Trauma
The situation escalated when Hildreth and an unnamed witness arrived at the hospital reporting that the child appeared to be having trouble breathing. During this visit, medical personnel conducted a skeletal survey on the boy. The results of the examination revealed 24 fractures to his ribs and one fracture to his femur.
According to the arrest report, medical staff advised police that these specific injuries were likely caused by someone squeezing the child with "great force." These findings provided critical context for law enforcement as they began investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy's arrival at the emergency room. The severity of the fractures prompted immediate legal action against Hildreth.
Witness Account and Alleged Actions
An officer spoke with a female witness who confirmed that she and Hildreth take shifts caring for the child. She stated that while under her care, the boy was gassy throughout the day but otherwise behaved normally without injury. However, Hildreth took over sole care at 9:30 p.m. on June 29. The witness reported being awakened around 1 a.m. by the sound of the child crying and Hildreth struggling to soothe him.
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 was unable to calm him down. He later acknowledged that the pressure applied could have caused the rib fractures.
Legal Proceedings and Release Conditions
In regard to the femur fracture, the report indicates Hildreth denied knowing what caused it initially but 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 during an attempt to free him.
Due to the severity of the fractures and the admissions made by Hildreth, authorities charged him with aggravated child abuse. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office set his bond at $50,003. Following his release from jail, specific terms were imposed on Hildreth to ensure public safety. These conditions include a ban on contact with the witness, the victim, or any other minor, as well as GPS monitoring and a prohibition on possessing firearms or other weapons.
