GUYAN TOWNSHIP, OH – A 22-year-old Ohio woman has been sentenced to eight to 11 years in prison for endangering children following a harrowing incident involving two young girls subjected to scalding bathwater. Malynda R. Harrison received her sentence from a Gallia County judge this week, accused of causing serious injuries to the children.
In a press release from the county prosecutor’s office, it was confirmed that Harrison was convicted on two counts for her actions, which resulted in severe physical harm to the children.
The case came to light when emergency services received a distress call on June 6, 2024, reporting that a 5-year-old girl was experiencing a seizure at a residence along Hannan Trace Road in Guyan Township.
Upon their arrival, first responders found the young girl with extensive burns over much of her body. She was quickly moved to a hospital in Huntington, Ohio, where she received medical care for her injuries. During the investigation, authorities confirmed that Harrison was responsible for the burns.
Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin made a statement regarding the incident, noting that detectives found the injuries were the result of deliberate actions by Harrison, who was entrusted with the care of the children. She was detained on June 9, 2024, on charges of felony child endangerment.
Investigations revealed that Harrison was in a relationship with the children’s father, and they were under her supervision when the abuse occurred. Harrison admitted to placing the 5-year-old and her 4-year-old sister in the bathtub filled with excessively hot water, refusing them relief, and restraining them physically in the scalding water.
The 5-year-old suffered second-degree burns and seizure activity due to the prolonged exposure, while the 4-year-old also sustained first and second-degree burns.
Post completion of her prison term, Harrison will face up to three additional years of supervision by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, ensuring prolonged oversight of her conduct.