DCF-State Police Investigation Leads To Child Assault Charge

TOLLAND, CT — An investigation by the state Department of Children and Families and the state police Troop C barracks into a child being treated at Connecticut Children's Medical Center has led to a first-degree assault charge against a 37-year-old man, a warrant states.

The girl was 7 months old when DCF began investigating the case in September.

State police on Tuesday took Joseph Mullikin, of Ashford, into custody. In addition to the first-degree assault charge, he is facing second-degree stragulation and risk of injury to a child charges. His bond was set at $200,000, state police said.

Hospital staffers alerted DCF because of "suspicious injuries" that were "indicative of abuse/neglect," according to a warrant. The girl had hemorrhages over both eyelids and bruised extended alongside the girl's face and on the ears, according to a warrant.

DCF staffers then alerted state police and the Eastern District Major Crimes Squad assumed the investigation.

Mullikin is slated to appear in court on Nov. 27, according to a report. He and the child's mother lived together, according to a warrant.