Dad indicted for abusing 4-month-old daughter (Blount County, Tennessee)

Dad is identified as KENNETH RAY SELLERS.

http://www.wate.com/story/26756921/maryville-man-indicted-on-child-abuse-charges-after-april-incident

Maryville man indicted on child abuse charges after April incident

Posted: Oct 10, 2014 1:52 PM EDT

By LAURA HALM 6 News Reporter

MARYVILLE (WATE) - A Blount County man was indicted by a grand jury this month for an alleged child abuse incident that happened in April involving a 4-month-old girl. Kenneth Ray Sellers, 22, was indicted by a grand jury on October 6.

According to a Maryville Police Department incident report, they were notified by the Department of Children's Services on April 10 that the girl was taken to Children's Hospital after a possible child abuse incident that happened at 218 Atchley Apartments on April 8.

Officers spoke with a DCS worker who said the child had bruises on both thighs, a fresh cerebral hematoma on the right side of her head, an old cerebral hematoma on the left side of her head and a possible broken left arm.

There were also broken blood vessels on her face and forehead.

The girl's mother said she had asked the girl's father Kenneth Sellers how the child was injured. He said he had held the girl's legs too tight and that he had went to the bathroom. He said while he was away, the girl fell out of her bouncy seat.

Neighbors who live in the same apartment complex tell 6 News they're simply shocked.

"People say one thing but you never know what's going on. You really don't," said neighbor Eli Steele.

"It really broke my heart. You're supposed to soothe them, keep them calm, talk to them, sing to them, not abuse them," added neighbor Tracey Wayne.

The girl's mother, who did not want to be interviewed on camera, says her daughter is doing much better, starting to take her first steps, and is happy and healthy.

The mother added that she's disappointed this incident happened because parents are supposed to be able to trust one another.

Police questioned Sellers, then arrested and charged him. Sellers is still being held on $150,000 bond.