Probationary Deputy Noel Hernandez, Jr. (Courtesy, Monroe County Sheriff's Office)
A probationary deputy in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested following a report of suspected abuse of his infant child.
The sheriff’s office was called to IU Health Bloomington Hospital Monday about an injured infant undergoing treatment.
According to court documents, his three-month-old daughter was admitted to IU Health and subsequently lifelined to Riley Children’s Hospital May 19. IU Health reported that she suffered multiple non-accidental injuries, including strokes, 15 fractured ribs, brain bleeding consistent with shaken baby syndrome, as well as bleeding in her eyes.
After officers determined probationary deputy Noel Hernandez, Jr., was the father, he was suspended and placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation.
Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté said the information came as a shock.
"It was very difficult for us, and particularly as a father, it was something that all of us gave a lot of thought on moving forward," Marté said.
The case was immediately handed over to the Indiana State Police Monday. Sergeant Kevin Getz said Hernandez was arrested Wednesday afternoon. He was transported to the jail at the Morgan County Sheriff's Department as the investigation continues.
"A lot of this is going to be based on medical records, continued interviews with witnesses who may have either seen or heard something," Getz said.
A warrant for his arrest finds probable cause for two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in injury, aggravated battery and battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person less than 14 years old.
"I need to stress that we in this office take these matters very seriously, and I made a commitment to the citizens of this county that we will be transparent," Marté said.
Hernandez, 25, had been with the sheriff’s office since March 31 and was currently in the initial stages of his training.
Marté said Hernandez passed background checks before being hired.
"We do a very extensive background to the point that once the person is considered, we sit down and actually conduct a polygraph, psychological — we even go as far talking to the neighbors," he said.
The investigation is ongoing.
May 23 update: Hernandez has been released after posting the $50,000 bond.
WFIU/WTIU’s Pat Beane, Joe Hren and Katy Szpak contributed to this story. This story was updated with additional information from court documents.
