A months-long investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Florida woman who authorities said tried to blame a baby’s multiple broken bones on other people.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday arrested M, 23, of San Mateo, on first-degree felony charges for child abuse.
Deputies said the case spanned multiple counties and took months to investigate due to “numerous conflicting statements.”
It all began in November 2025 when M took the baby, who was less than 1 year old at the time, to an emergency room in St. Johns County. Law enforcement officials were alerted that the baby had sustained a broken arm.
Deputies said M told them someone else had dropped the child on the floor while they were at a Palm Coast residence on Thanksgiving. However, that story was later disproven by cameras in the home, investigators said.
“Cameras in the home showed the child was never dropped, nor did the child fall while at the house,” the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies then began investigating M, as well as another person M named as a possible suspect.
While the investigation was underway, the child’s biological father informed detectives that he had found several medical reports listing previous injuries to the child, including 10 potential broken bones in less than a year.
The person M named as a suspect was later cleared of any wrongdoing. Detectives said some of the injuries the child sustained happened before that person had even met the child.
Investigators came to the conclusion that M was the sole person responsible for the baby’s injuries, and a warrant was issued for her arrest on Tuesday.
She was taken to the Putnam County Jail and later released on a $50,000 bond, with the condition that she have no unsupervised contact with children.
“This case was full of deception and lies by the suspect in order to protect herself,” said Putnam County Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach. “She pointed fingers at innocent people to disrupt their lives in a pattern that became all too familiar for her. Sorting through those lies took time to ensure we got her away from the lives of the helpless she sought to destroy. The sad part of all of this is some people sought to protect her over this child. All I can say is – shame on them.”
Personalized Legal Support for Personal Injury Victims
Every personal injury case is unique, and at Ovadia Law Group, we treat it that way. Our attorneys take the time to understand your specific situation, listen to your concerns, and develop a legal strategy that aligns with your goals. We’re not just lawyers—we’re your partners in recovery. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, we’re here to help you seek justice and fair compensation. Our firm is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to client success. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Call us today at 1-800-674-9396 to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. At Ovadia Law Group, your case matters, and we’re ready to fight for the outcome you deserve.
Source: Wfla
