A 41-year-old Alma woman and a 16-year-old male juvenile were arrested Thursday in connection to a case involving severe injuries sustained by a 21-month-old child.
Alice Herrington has been charged with one count of party to the crime for failing to notify law enforcement regarding the injuries sustained by the victim. The male juvenile , also of Alma, was detained for one count of battery, one count of aggravated battery, and one count of first degree cruelty to children. He is currently being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center in Waycross.
Alma police state they will be asking the district attorney’s office to upgrade at least one count of battery to aggravated battery against the victim’s mother, Sarah Staten.
Staten, who officials say is also 35 weeks pregnant, was taken into custody Wednesday at the Bacon County Hospital after authorities were called to investigate severe injuries sustained by the 21-month-old female.
Two other children, both under the age of four, were taken into protective custody by the Division of Family and Children Services. All suspects involved are facing additional or upgraded charges pending a more thorough evaluation those children, authorities said.
The vicitm was transported to Memorial Health hospital in Savannah due to the nature of her injuries and underwent surgery that involved the removal of at least one organ. Authorities have not provided an update on her condition as of Friday evening.