A couple from Port Clinton has been indicted on several charges related to their alleged abuse of an infant.
A 19-year-old from the 300 block of Superior St., Gloria S. Riley, faced indictment by an Ottawa County grand jury in October on several charges.
• Four charges of putting children at risk, classified as third-degree felonies
• Four charges of allowing child abuse, classified as third-degree felonies
• Facing two charges of evidence tampering, classified as third-degree felonies
• Facing two charges of hindering the legal process, both classified as third-degree felonies
Riley’s partner, Isaiah G. Garcia, 21, residing in the 200 block of Buckeye Blvd., has been formally charged with the following offenses:
• A total of eight charges related to the endangerment of minors, classified as both second and third-degree felonies
• Three charges of serious assault, each classified as a second-degree felony
• Three charges of domestic violence, all classified as first-degree misdemeanors
• Facing two charges of evidence tampering, classified as third-degree felonies
On October 3, a representative from the major crimes unit of the Ottawa County prosecutor’s office, accompanied by a detective from the Port Clinton police, arrived at a hospital in the Toledo area to investigate an infant with severe injuries, as detailed in a report from the Ottawa County prosecutor’s office. Authorities were alerted to the situation by the local Job and Family Services department.
The reports withhold the victim’s identity, revealing only that he is a 5-month-old infant, with his parents being the alleged perpetrators.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement at the hospital, social workers reported that the 5-month-old boy had been brought in by Riley, who stated that the child was lethargic and not feeding properly. According to the report, Riley reportedly informed social workers about the presence of bruises on the baby’s head.
Subsequently, law enforcement engaged with medical personnel who reported discovering the subsequent injuries on the infant during the preliminary examination, as detailed in the report:
• An injury observed on the child’s head
• Red spots in the child’s eyes
• Inflamed, raised spots on the back of the child’s neck
• The infant’s head measured three times larger than expected
During the police inquiry, Riley stated that her shift that day was from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to the report, she informed the authorities that the baby had been entrusted to Garcia’s supervision, and upon her return from work, she found the baby seated in its swing.
Following preliminary investigations by law enforcement, legal requests were made for the infant’s medical documentation, and a search order was executed for the residence of the couple along with all their electronic devices.
The next day, Garcia was discovered at the home of a close relative. During the police interview, Garcia reportedly confessed to striking the child and was subsequently taken into custody and booked at the Ottawa County Jail on a charge of child endangerment.
On October 16, Riley was taken into custody and processed at the Ottawa County Jail.
As of late Tuesday, Riley and Garcia remain in custody at the Ottawa County Jail. Ottawa County court records indicate that Riley seems to lack a bond, whereas Garcia is set with a bond amounting to $500,000.
Riley’s upcoming court hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. on November 13, while Garcia’s will follow at 2:30 p.m. on the same day.