SAPULPA, OK – An Oklahoma couple has been sentenced to prison for child abuse and neglect after their newborn sustained severe injuries, including a broken femur, during a diaper change incident last year.
Jeannie Romero, 25, received a five-year prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill for her role in the abuse and neglect of her 3-week-old baby. The sentencing follows a U.S. Justice Department investigation, which revealed the extent of the injuries inflicted on the infant in October 2022.
The investigation highlighted that Jeannie admitted to using “unreasonable force” while changing the baby’s diaper, resulting in the critical injury. Despite the severity, she delayed seeking medical help for the baby for two days.
Jacob Romero, 24, was not present at the time of the incident, according to the Justice Department. However, upon returning home and noticing the baby’s condition, he also failed to pursue medical help, contributing to the charges of neglect.
When the couple eventually sought medical attention, doctors discovered further injuries on the infant that were consistent with physical abuse. This led to both their children being removed from their custody and placed with relatives.
The family’s tribal affiliation informed the investigation dynamics, as Jeannie Romero is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. This prompted the FBI’s involvement in conjunction with local authorities.
In a related sentencing earlier this year, Jacob Romero was convicted of child neglect in Indian Country and was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Jeannie Romero, currently in custody, will soon be transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to serve her sentence. The case underscores the legal complexities and grave consequences in instances of child abuse and neglect within tribal jurisdictions.