Monroe County Probationary Deputy Noel Hernandez Jr. was arrested and fired Wednesday after suspected charges of neglect and battery to his infant child.
The infant was being treated at IU Health Bloomington Hospital with multiple injuries at various stages of healing on Monday when the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a report, according to a press release sent Wednesday.
Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté contacted the Indiana State Police to conduct an independent investigation following the report. He immediately suspended Hernandez Jr.’s police authority and placed him on administrative leave.
A judicial officer of the Monroe County Courts issued a warrant for Hernandez Jr.’s arrest after finding probable cause for violations of Indiana Code. The charges include a level one felony — Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Catastrophic Injury — and three level 3 felonies.
Hernandez Jr. was arrested Wednesday afternoon and taken to the Morgan County Jail. The IDS confirmed in a phone call Thursday morning that Hernandez is still being held in jail.
Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Kevin Getz told the IDS the investigation is still ongoing. The ISP’s thoughts are with the infant and hope the infant makes a recovery from the injuries sustained, he said.
Monroe County Deputy Jeff Brown said the sheriff’s office is fully cooperating with the investigation.
