Louisville, KY – A man is in custody after reportedly injuring a child during a diaper change. Jorge Jesus Perez-Ramirez, 29, was arrested on Wednesday and faces charges of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal abuse of a child aged 12 or under.
According to jail records, Perez-Ramirez unlawfully took custody of his girlfriend’s child. The alleged abuse occurred on October 14 when the child was taken to urgent care with severe injuries before being transferred to a children’s hospital for further medical assessment.
Staff at the hospital determined the child’s injuries resulted from abusive head trauma. Reports indicate the child remains in critical condition.
Court documents reveal that Perez-Ramirez “manifested extreme indifference to the value of human life” by treating the child in a way that caused such severe injuries. He pleaded not guilty and is currently being held at Louisville Metro Detention Center on an immigration detainer.
A preliminary hearing is set for December 8. The charge of child abuse carries potential penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison under Kentucky law.