Two 20-year-olds from Thomaston are behind bars after a child was flown to an Atlanta hospital with severe injuries, triggering a monthlong child abuse investigation that has now led to multiple felony charges.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested Cheyanne Saunier and Tripp Allen on May 28 after tracking them to Henry County. The case began in April when hospital staff reported suspected abuse to Thomaston police, who then called in state investigators. Both suspects were ultimately booked into the Upson County Jail and are facing several felony counts tied to the alleged abuse.
According to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation press release, Saunier has been charged with three counts of first-degree cruelty to children, two counts of second-degree cruelty to children and three counts of aggravated battery. Allen faces two counts of second-degree cruelty to children. The GBI said Thomaston Police requested help after an area hospital flagged the case to local officers. Investigators say the probe remains active and that the file will be sent to the Griffin Judicial Circuit district attorney once it is complete.
Investigation timeline
Thomaston Police contacted the GBI on April 17, five days after hospital staff first reported suspected abuse on April 12 and emergency crews had the child airlifted to Atlanta for specialized treatment. WSB-TV reported that the child has since been released from the hospital and is recovering. Investigators have not publicly disclosed the child’s age or additional medical details.
The GBI statement notes that agents later found Saunier and Allen in Henry County and arranged for them to be transported back to Upson County to face charges tied to the Thomaston case.
Where arrests took place
FOX 5 Atlanta reported that agents located the pair in Henry County on May 28 and initially booked them into the Henry County Jail. They were transferred to the Upson County Jail the next day. Local officials have not yet released bond amounts or court hearing dates.
The arrests highlight how the GBI often steps in to support small-town departments when serious child abuse allegations land in local emergency rooms.
How to help
The GBI is asking anyone with information about the case to contact its regional office in Columbus at (706) 565-7888, or to submit anonymous tips at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or online, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said. Tips can also be sent through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Local outlets including AllOnGeorgia have published the GBI statement and are following the case as court filings become public. The Griffin Judicial Circuit district attorney will handle prosecution once investigators formally wrap up their work.
