Nicholas ODonnell
The father and mother of a two-month-old in Cleveland have been indicted for child abuse after the baby tested positive for meth and had multiple injuries.
Cleveland Police said on Jan. 4 the Department of Children Services and the Cleveland Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit began a joint investigation on an aggravated child neglect/abuse case.
DCS and CPD responded to 1211 South Lee Highway, Crown Inn Motel, to check on the welfare of a two-month old baby. During the initial stages of the investigation, the parents of the child, Nicholas ODonnell and Brittany Newman, tested positive for methamphetamine.
DCS workers noticed a large bruise on the baby’s head. Later in the day, for precautionary purposes, the baby was transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation. During the course of the medical exams, it was discovered that the baby had multiple skull fractures, multiple broken bones, and a brain bleed, which later required brain surgery. Medical exams also revealed that the baby had methamphetamine in her system.
On Jan. 18, the Bradley County Grand Jury issued indictments against Nicholas ODonnell and Brittany Newman for aggravated child abuse or neglect.
Both are currently in custody in the Bradley County Justice Center, each with a bond of $75,000.
Anyone with information regarding this child or these parents are urged to contact Cleveland Police Department Detective Daniel Gibbs, 423 559-3393.
Brittany Newman