MILTON, FL – A Florida mother and her boyfriend are facing serious charges after authorities discovered a toddler with multiple fractures, bruising, and missing teeth, pointing to severe child abuse. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jordan Moore, 28, for child neglect and charged her boyfriend, Jesse Smith, 29, with aggravated child abuse following an investigation that began in early January.
The investigation was initiated after the young girl, whose exact age hasn’t been disclosed, was admitted to a hospital with various injuries suspected to be from abuse. Moore allegedly claimed the child spent time with her biological father, noticing only minor cuts afterward. However, authorities believe the abuse occurred while the child was under Smith’s supervision.
In a statement to detectives, Moore denied Smith’s involvement in the abuse, attributing her daughter’s fractures to a claimed condition called “Brittle Bone Disease.” However, medical tests confirmed the child did not suffer from this ailment, which typically causes bones to fracture easily. Moore further insisted that Smith did not have prolonged periods of caretaking, yet text messages tell a different story.
Messages between Moore and Smith revealed tension over Smith’s alleged treatment of the child. In a particular text from December 22, Moore accused Smith of intentionally hitting the child’s head on a door, casting doubt on her earlier assertions.
Further communications involving a concerned family member, who allegedly works with the Department of Children and Families, described the child as showing up with concerning injuries.
This family member reportedly advised Moore against taking the child in public, fearing intervention from child protective services. The same family member also implored Moore to let the child stay with him upon witnessing recurring injuries. Despite these pleas, Moore explained the visible injuries as a result of falls and bites.
Smith, in defense, denied any abusive actions, suggesting he only playfully pinched the child’s nose. However, the child’s sibling recounted more distressing interactions, where Smith allegedly used tweezers to pinch the child’s nose and cover her mouth when upset.
Both Moore and Smith were detained on March 1, and charges were officially filed on March 10. Smith remains in custody under a $300,000 bond, while Moore has been released on bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 27.