Child abuse charges filed against West Jordan babysitter
WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) — A West Jordan woman working as a babysitter has been charged with three counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
According to charging documents, Leslie Ann Percell, 51, was babysitting an infant who was less than six months old. The baby’s mother allegedly told investigators of two incidents where he was acting strangely after being picked up from Percell’s care.
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In the first incident in October, the baby was “whining and acting off” after being picked up, according to the mother.
“When [the mother] tried to feed [her son], he threw up several times and continued to throw up through the night,” according to charging documents. The mother reportedly took her son to the doctor the next day, though court documents do not disclose what happened.
When the baby’s mother picked him up again in December, documents say he was again “fussy” and would begin to vomit. Upon arriving home, the mother reportedly found a bruise on the baby’s ear as he continued to throw up.
The mother went to the emergency room for care where doctors allegedly discovered her son had suffered a skull fracture as a result of “abusive head trauma,” according to the District Attorney’s Office. A physical exam also allegedly revealed brain bleeds and old injuries that were believed to have occurred in October.
Percell had reportedly told investigators that the infant’s behavior throughout the day was “normal” and no one else was in the home or had access to him while he was in her care.
Based on the findings, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office alleges Percell had abused the baby while she was babysitting him.
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“No child should have to experience what this infant had to go through to receive the injuries that he is now living with. Our hearts go out to the family of this young child and hope the best for them on their road to recovery,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.
Gill expressed his thanks to the medical professionals who helped care for the infant and the West Jordan Police Department for their investigation.
Percell was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on Tuesday, Feb. 27. A Salt Lake County judge set bail for Percell at $10,000. An initial hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29 at 1 p.m.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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