AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - A babysitter is locked up in the Summit County Jail after a 1-year-old girl suffered second and third-degree burns while in her care, said Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy Jr.

WARNING: The photos of the 1-year-old burn victim are graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.

Kimberly Richmond, 52, was facing two counts of child endangerment, but after further investigation, the City of Akron Prosecutor’s Office amended those charges to third-degree felonies.

Lt. Murphy said the victim’s mother called them around 5 p.m. on April 26 when she picked up her child and noticed burns on her face.

Officers arrived at the home in the 1100 block of Lakeshore Boulevard and met the victim’s mother, who said she left her daughter in Richmond’s care when she went out of town for a few days.

“Kimberly Richmond actually turned herself in to police,” Murphy said. “She was arrested and then transported to Summit County jail, where she is currently being held.”

According to Akron police, Richmond allegedly not only failed to report the incident, but she also did not get the child any medical attention.

The child was later taken to the hospital with serious physical injuries.

Richmond was arraigned at the Akron Municipal Court on Thursday, and her bond was set at $500,000.

“I think it helps to begin to provide a little bit of closure for the family, that process is going to be long, but at least they’re not questioning, worrying about whether the police are going to be able to apprehend her,” Murphy said.

Richmond has prior charges with the Barberton Police Department, dating back to the early 1990s.

One incident in 2006 left Richmond facing several charges, including criminal damage, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and child endangerment.

According to court records, she pleaded guilty to the charges and, after spending 30 days on house arrest, her charges were dismissed.

Breonna Peterson set up a GoFundMe to cover medical expenses and other costs as she will be off work during her child’s hospital stay.

CONTINUE READING
RELATED ARTICLES