2.17.11: Godmother Convicted for Abusing 18-Day-Old Infant
February 17, 2011 -- A Baltimore City Circuit Court jury convicted Anita M. Jones today of first-degree child abuse, second-degree child abuse, and second-degree assault for attacking an 18-day-old infant.
Jones was the infant's godmother and a close friend of the child's mother. On April 20, 2009, while babysitting, Jones assaulted her goddaughter, shaking the child and slamming her into a hard surface.
As a result of the attack, the infant lost her vision and the ability to regulate her body temperature. She also now suffers from cerebral palsy and experiences seizures.
Scheduled for sentencing May 18, 2011, Jones faces a maximum of 35 years in prison.
Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Burrell prosecuted the case.