A Pinellas Park couple is facing felony child neglect charges after police say their child was hospitalized in critical condition, severely malnourished and in need of a feeding tube. Victor Borisovich Ibragimtchaev, 48, and Sondra Rubin Ibragimtchaev, 44, were arrested Thursday and each charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm.
According to WTSP, investigators allege the couple failed to get necessary medical care for their severely malnourished child. Medical evaluations cited in the case found the child was suffering from severe malnutrition and other serious health complications, the outlet reports.
Doctors Warned of Risk to Child's Life
Medical professionals advised immediate hospitalization, stabilization and monitoring for the child, per the same report. Doctors reportedly warned that the child faced a significant risk of death and required hospitalization. Once admitted, hospital staff reported the child was severely malnourished and required a feeding tube, with the child measuring in the 0.02 percentile for height and weight.
The outlet's reporting indicates the case has been under scrutiny for some time before the arrests were made Thursday. Both parents denied the allegations when confronted by investigators, telling them the child's condition was being monitored and treated at home.
What Comes Next in the Case
Pinellas Park police say the investigation remains ongoing, and no further details on the child's current condition or outcome have been released. Under Florida law, a person who willfully or through culpable negligence neglects a child and causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement commits a second-degree felony — the charge both parents now face.
Neither parent has publicly commented beyond their denial to investigators. Court records on the case were not independently available at the time of this report, and it remains unclear what, if any, additional findings investigators may uncover as the case proceeds.
