Jerimiah Thomas Jones Jr., 22, of Halethorpe, Maryland, has been charged with first-degree child abuse, second-degree child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and second-degree rape of a helpless individual after a 17-month-old girl in his care suffered severe injuries in July. He faces a potential maximum of 85 years in prison if convicted on all counts and is being held without bond.
Baltimore County police have charged a Halethorpe man after a toddler in his care suffered injuries prosecutors described as among the most severe a specially trained nurse had seen in 16 years of practice.
How the Investigation Began
The case began in July, when a 17-month-old girl was brought to a local hospital experiencing uncontrolled vaginal bleeding. According to charging documents, the child had suffered multiple internal injuries, including a tear that extended through the vaginal wall, causing internal bleeding. Her blood loss was severe enough to require a transfusion.
A surgeon who examined the girl told police the injury extended completely through the vaginal wall and into the area behind the abdominal cavity. Prosecutors said the injuries could have been fatal without prompt medical treatment.
At an August 26 bail hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Kayla York described the girl’s injuries as “absolutely horrific,” citing an evaluation from a SAFE nurse — a registered nurse trained specifically to examine sexual assault patients, document injuries, and collect forensic evidence.
“The SAFE nurse started the phone call with saying in her 16 years of being a SAFE nurse, that is the worst injury she has ever seen on a patient,” York told the court, according to an audio transcript of the hearing.
The Defendant’s Account
Police say the injury occurred July 13 at a home on North Twin Circle Way, while Jones was caring for the toddler and two older children. The girl’s mother was at work at the time.
According to charging documents, Jones told investigators he was changing the child’s diaper on a bed when an older child leaned over his shoulder, causing him to lose his balance. He said he fell forward and must have accidentally inserted his finger into the girl’s vagina during the fall.
A representative from GBMC’s Child Protection Program told police that Jones’s explanation did not account for the severity of the child’s injuries. Charging documents state that Jones panicked after discovering the bleeding and called the child’s mother.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Jones is charged with first-degree child abuse causing severe physical injury, second-degree child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and second-degree rape of a helpless individual. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 85 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
An arrest warrant was issued August 24, and Jones was taken into custody the following day. Baltimore County’s Department of Social Services had placed the child’s mother and other children in a hotel for their safety during the investigation; prosecutors said police later found Jones in the hotel room with the family.
At the bail hearing, a public defender told District Court Judge Karen Pilarski that Jones works at a Royal Farms store and is the sole financial support for the household. Prosecutors noted that Jones has no adult criminal record, though York said he had prior contact with the juvenile justice system.
Arguing against his release, York told the court: “He is a victim safety risk. He is a risk to public safety and he isn’t going to listen to anything the court orders if he’s released.”
Judge Pilarski ordered Jones held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. His next court date, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for September 18.
For related coverage of an ongoing criminal investigation, read the Washington Heights homicide investigation.
