Dade City Man Accused Of Injuring Infant Who Wouldn't Stop Crying

DADE CITY, FL — A 29-year-old Dade City man was arrested this week after being accused of injuring a crying infant he was baby-sitting on Oct. 24.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Jonathan Rodriguez of Hillside Lane was caring for a 3-month-old baby for about six hours while the baby's mother was away.

When the baby's mother picked up the infant, she noticed bruises on the baby's face. Rodriguez denied hurting the baby but the Pasco Kid's First Child Protection Team concluded that the baby's bruises were caused by someone forcefully grabbing her face.

When detectives interviewed Rodriguez, he admitted to becoming frustrated because the baby was inconsolable.

He told detectives, "I have never been so frustrated in my life." He said he finally grabbed the baby's face and held it for 1 1/2 to two minutes, begging, "Please, just stop, just stop."

He said the infant continued crying for about 20 minutes but eventually calmed down.

Rodriguez was charged with child abuse and his bond was set at $10,000.