CITRUS COUNTY, FL. – On Tuesday, 25-year-old Shane Harrison Cohen was arrested for Aggravated Child Abuse in reference to injuries he inflicted on a 2-year-old child who was in his care.
Acting on information received from a local daycare facility, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Detective Jason Cook and Detective Roscoe Watts, with the Special Victims Unit (SVU), immediately began an investigation.
When Cohen was dropping the victim off at daycare in the morning, a staff member observed Cohen acting strange. When Cohen brought the victim inside, he spontaneously told staff the victim had injuries on his chest, and it was caused by a pet. Initially, staff only observed minor scratches and red marks, but a short time later they worsened.
They now could see extensive bruising on the victim’s face, torso, and buttocks. Staff members immediately contacted the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and CCSO.
A deputy initially responded and documented extensive bruising all over the victim’s body. The victim was taken to Jessie’s Place, Citrus County’s Child Advocacy Center, for an emergency medical examination by the Child Protection Team (CPT). As a result of this exam, the victim’s injuries were determined to be consistent with abuse.
Detectives Cook and Watts made contact with Cohen and conducted an interview.
While speaking with detectives, Cohen admitted to the abuse and indicated he had observed the inflicted injuries prior to dropping the victim at daycare.
“It is inexcusable that an adult would cause these types of injuries to a child. Cohen used the victim as a target for his anger and frustration, knowing they would be unable to fight back,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
“If not for the watchful eye of the daycare staff and the teamwork between DCF, Jessie’s Place, and our office, this victim’s fate could have been much worse. It is everyone’s duty to protect those most vulnerable and if you see something say something. Let’s all make Citrus County the safest community to live in.”
As a result of this investigation, Cohen was placed under arrest for Aggravated Child Abuse and is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond.
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