After 2-Year Investigation, Mother Arrested For Allegedly Endangering Welfare of Baby

After a more-than two-year investigation, Amy P. Garcez, a mother formerly of Kinnelon, was arrested after determined her to have allegedly endangered the welfare of her baby when the baby was hospitalized for broken ribs in 2009.

According to police, the baby, who was six weeks old at the time, was transported to the emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Paterson, with broken ribs. The baby’s mother, Garcez, was 18 years old and living in Kinnelon at the time.

After hospital officials notified police of suspected abuse, Sgt. David Crouthamel of the Kinnelon Police Department responded to the hospital and met with Morris County Prosecutor’s Office officials.

Police said Garcez initially told them that her dog had jumped on the baby, causing the injuries, but later allegedly admitted to throwing her the baby's car seat onto the ground while looking for her keys. Garcez told police that she did not know the baby was inside, but that the baby was asleep and did not wake up when the seat hit the ground.

Police said Garcez’s story was not consistent with the baby’s injuries, according to emergency room physicians, and that more tests needed to be conducted.

The baby was removed from Garcez’s custody by the Division of Youth and Family Services and she was released for further investigation.

Police said once the investigation was completed, a warrant was issued for Garcez’s arrest and that on Monday, June 13, Sgt. Crouthamel responded to Garcez’s current address, in West Milford, to arrest her without incident.

Garcez was brought before Judge David Ironson and bail was set at $50,000. Unable to post bail, Garcez was sent to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

For questions on this blotter, email