A 30-year-old Taylor man is behind bars after a two-year-old was rushed to a Central Texas children's hospital with a severe injury, according to Bell County authorities. Thomas Anthony Jonse is being held at the Bell County Jail on charges that include aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and injury to a child. Officials say the child was taken to Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center following an incident reported on Sunday.
Investigation and arrest
The Bell County Sheriff's Office says deputies launched an investigation after learning the toddler had been hospitalized with a serious injury, according to KEYE Austin. Investigators "identified a suspect who had access to the child but who was not a direct family member" and later arrested Jonse at his home in Taylor.
Booking and charges
Jonse was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Bell County Jail, where he faces counts of aggravated assault and injury to a child, causing serious bodily injury. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman set bond at $250,000 for each charge, according to KWTX. County inmate records list a booking timestamp that night and reflect the two felony charges; Bell County inmate records confirm the booking and current charges.
Legal implications
Under Texas law, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and injury to a child that results in serious bodily harm are felony offenses. Penalties depend on factors such as the actor's mental state and the outcome of the conduct, as outlined in sections 22.02 and 22.04 of the Penal Code. The full statutory language is available in the Texas Penal Code.
The Bell County Sheriff's Office has not released additional details about how the child was hurt and did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Bell County District Attorney's Office accepted the charges after investigators presented the case to prosecutors, according to KWTX.
Local coverage reported that a booking photo of Jonse was provided by the Bell County Sheriff's Office and noted that deputies have shared only limited information so far. According to KEYE Austin, authorities did not release any further details.
