JAMES CLARK

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for aggravated child abuse of an eight-month-old baby.

On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the mother of an eight-month-old baby left her child in the care of James Clark, 33, while she went to work.

While the mother was at work, she got a call from Clark, who informed her that the child had accidentally burned its hand by reaching into a cup of hot chocolate. Upon returning home, the mother noticed that her baby had suffered severe injuries and discovered bruises all over the child’s body. The mother immediately rushed her baby to the hospital.

After being examined by medical personnel, it was determined that the baby had endured various inflicted injuries. These included injuries to the ears from high-velocity force, broken blood vessels, a non-displaced left parietal fracture, and a significant burn needing skin grafting.

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, Clark was arrested without incident and charged with: 2 counts of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm; child abuse; and child neglect.

The investigation is active and ongoing.