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ST. GEORGE — A St. George man accused of felony child abuse appeared Thursday for sentencing. After his infant arrived at the hospital with a broken femur, doctors said they discovered multiple broken bones in various stages of healing, leading to charges filed six months ago.
Carlos Ceja, 21, appeared for sentencing on two third-degree felony counts of reckless child abuse during a hearing held in 5th District Court in St. George. Two second-degree felony counts of aggravated child abuse were dismissed under the terms of the plea agreement.
The case was filed after officers were called to St. George Regional Hospital on Jan. 2 on a report of a possible child abuse situation concerning a 4-month-old baby being treated for a fractured right femur.
"Further examination revealed three other fractures in (the child's) body that were in different stages of healing. Investigators interviewed parents and determined that Carlos, the father, was responsible for the injuries," an officer noted in the affidavit filed at the time of the arrest.
On June 13, Ceja pleaded guilty to the two reduced charges during a change of plea hearing, while the remaining charges were dismissed.
During sentencing, the judge suspended two zero to five-year prison sentences and ordered Ceja to serve one year in jail, with credit for time served.
Ceja was placed on three years' probation, ordered to pay a fine of $900 and was reminded that he is restricted from owning any firearms as a convicted felon.
