OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A mid-Michigan woman has been charged after a 13-month-old child suffered serious brain damage while in her care, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Swapna Hari, a 44-year-old resident of Troy, is facing a charge of child abuse in the first degree. She could face up to life in prison if convicted.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office released these details on the case:
On September 3, the defendant was babysitting the child when she reportedly claimed the child fell backward while eating and began choking. The child was hospitalized with severe head trauma and suffered serious brain damage. It is alleged that the injuries occurred while the child was in the defendant’s care and are inconsistent with choking or a backward fall.
She could face up to life in prison if convicted.
“In a single moment, this healthy and happy 13-month-old child suffered a life-changing injury, allegedly at the hands of this defendant,” said Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “Our office sees too many cases of childhood brain injuries caused by abusers. These are physical injuries that often never heal completely. It’s heartbreaking and horrifying to learn a caregiver would harm a child instead of protecting them.”