HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A 20-year-old Riverview man has been arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated child abuse after allegedly forcefully squeezing his three-month-old baby, causing multiple rib fractures.
Deputies responded to St. Joseph’s Hospital Main on March 10, 2025, following reports of a baby with healing rib fractures. Through their investigation, detectives determined that Balin Simmons, the baby’s father, had repeatedly squeezed the infant during feedings to stop the baby from crying.
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Simmons was arrested on March 12, 2025, and charged with seven counts of Aggravated Child Abuse (Aggravated Battery – Great Bodily Harm).
“It is infuriating to think that someone could do this to a helpless, innocent baby,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment. There are no excuses for such horrific behavior, only the certainty that our detectives will ensure this man faces the consequences of his actions.”
The investigation remains active.
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