Grandmother Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Granddaughter

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A Middletown grandmother admitted she physically hurt her 7-month-old granddaughter.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler said that Kimberly Bennett, 45, of Middletown, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree assault.

Prosecutors said Bennett had caused "serious physical injury" to the child, including damage to her brain and eyes. The child was rendered blind by the assault, which occurred Feb. 22, 2020.

Bennett was the child's primary caregiver, authorities said.

According to the police, on Feb. 22, 2020, City of Middletown police and ambulance personnel went to Bennett's resident and found the 7-month-old baby unresponsive and exhibiting facial bruising.

An investigation led to Bennett being charged with first-degree assault by a grand jury.

Hoovler said it was unthinkable that the injuries could have been inflicted by someone who was responsible for the child's wellbeing.

"There is no excuse for inflicting these types of life altering injuries on an innocent baby," he said. "Help is available within Orange County for those who believe they are unable to care for their children."

Bennett remains in the Orange County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail, $500,000 secured bond or $1 million partially secured bond.

She is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 5.