Dad arrested for abusing 5-week-old son while baby was in his care (Bradley County, Tennessee)

Wonder if this was one of those situations where Mom had to go back to work and Daddy was babysitting. Could also be one of those situations where a short-term boyfriend got visitation rights in exchange for lower child support payments. At any rate, no mention here of the mother.

Dad is identified as RICKY DEAN SMITH.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/jan/07/bradley-sheriffs-office-charges-father-aggravated-/?breakingnews

published Monday, January 7th, 2013

Bradley Sheriff’s Office charges father with aggravated child abuse
by Staff Report

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has reported a 22-year-old father has been charged with aggravated child abuse in connection with serious injuries to his five-week-old son.

A news release said Ricky Dean Smith is being held in the county jail in Bradley without bond pending a hearing on Jan. 15 in General Sessions Court.

The office said it was contacted Friday by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to investigate injuries to the youngster that had taken place at the family’s Francisco Road home.

The release said the injuries had apparently taken place Wednesday when the infant was being taken care of by the father.

The infant was taken to the T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga.