A Hillsborough County man is facing a first-degree felony after a seven-month-old infant in his care turned up at a medical facility with severe injuries, including a brain bleed and a spinal injury, according to authorities. Detectives say 38-year-old Michael Robert Weatherholt has been charged with aggravated child abuse following a months-long investigation that began in mid-January and drew in both law enforcement and pediatric specialists.
Investigation and arrest
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says detectives opened an investigation on January 18 after the infant was brought in for medical care, and medical teams quickly flagged that the injuries did not match the story Weatherholt allegedly provided, according to a post by the HCSO. Investigators say the injuries were more severe than Weatherholt's account suggested.
🚨Man Arrested for Aggravated Child Abuse🚨#teamHCSO has arrested Robert Weatherholt, 38, for Aggravated Child Abuse in connection with the abuse of a seven-month-old child.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) March 29, 2026
An extensive investigation began on January 18, 2026, after the child suffered severe injuries,… pic.twitter.com/UXQqvXd2VN
After weeks of follow-up with doctors and detectives, Weatherholt was taken into custody on March 27, the sheriff's office says. He is charged with aggravated child abuse, which the agency described in its release as abuse causing great bodily harm.
Sheriff's statement
"The child suffered unimaginable harm while in the care of someone expected to protect them," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the HCSO post. The sheriff's office did not release the infant's name or specify where the alleged abuse occurred, citing the sensitivity of the case.
Legal implications
Under Florida law, aggravated child abuse covers acts that cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement, as detailed in Florida Statutes 827.03. It is a first-degree felony, and a conviction can carry a statutory maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison under Florida Statute 775.082, although the actual punishment would depend on how prosecutors file the case and the court's sentencing calculations.
What comes next
The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office will now review the findings from the sheriff's investigation and decide whether to file formal charges and set court dates. According to the sheriff's post, detectives and medical specialists remain involved in the case. No additional information about the infant's current condition was included in the initial public notice.
How to report suspected abuse
Anyone in Florida who suspects a child is being abused can contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or submit a report online. The Department of Children and Families offers detailed guidance on how to report and what protections exist for people who come forward at Florida DCF.
