The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office was notified on December 9, 2025, by the Department of Family and Children Services regarding a possible case of child abuse. DFACS advised they had been contacted by a school after a student reported concerns that a fellow student may have been physically abused by a parent.
School personnel conducted a preliminary check and observed bruising on the child’s upper back. Based on those findings, DFACS notified CCSO for further investigation.
CCSO investigators initiated an inquiry and determined that approximately 15 days earlier, the child had reportedly been struck multiple times on the back with a cellphone charging cable by an individual identified as 29-year-old Jose Hernandez Gutierrez of Douglas. The alleged assault resulted in significant bruising.
Gutierrez was taken into custody without incident on December 9, 2025 and transported to the Coffee County Jail and has been charged with cruelty to children in the first degree. The investigation remains active. No additional details will be released at this time to protect the privacy of the juvenile involved.
“It is the mission of the Sheriff’s Office to protect the innocent and hold offenders accountable. We stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and we will do so every time. As always, if you see something, say something. Your awareness and willingness to speak up could save a life,” stated Sheriff Fred Cole.
