A Smithville man was arrested for aggravated child abuse Monday night after an infant was brought to Cookeville Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
Charles J. Wiggins, an acquaintance of the child’s mother, is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse. Wiggins is under a $500,000 bond and he will be in court on October 29.
In a prepared statement, Smithville Police Captain Steven Leffew said, “On Monday, October 19 at approximately 6:07 p.m., Cookeville Regional Medical Center contacted Smithville Police in regards to an infant that was severely injured and had been brought into their facility for treatment. The injury was believed to have occurred in the jurisdiction of the City of Smithville”.
“Lieutenant Matt Holmes and Sergeant Brad Tatrow responded and upon arrival spoke with medical staff who advised that the infant had sustained obvious severe injuries. Officers quickly developed Charles J. Wiggins as a suspect and upon investigation Smithville Police arrested Wiggins for two counts of aggravated child abuse. District Attorney Bryant Dunaway and investigators from his office as well as the Department of Children Services responded to the scene. At this time the infant remains in stable condition awaiting possible surgery.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Cases like this are very stressful and bothersome. I want to commend all officers involved in this investigation for their professionalism” added Captain Leffew.
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