A disturbing child case in Florida has led to the arrest of a babysitter after an infant was found with serious facial bruising. Authorities say the injuries appeared consistent with a slap, raising immediate concerns from the child’s parents and medical professionals. The incident is now under investigation as police examine what happened while the baby was in the babysitter’s care.
Florida Babysitter Arrested After Infant Found With Slap-Like Bruises
A 30-year-old woman, Viviana Ortiz-Lopez, has been arrested after authorities said an infant suffered facial injuries while in her care.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ortiz-Lopez is charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.
Investigators said the infant girl was found with noticeable bruising on her face, including marks that appeared to match a slap.
Parents Noticed Injuries After Picking Up Baby
The child’s parents reportedly dropped the infant off at the babysitter’s home around 8 a.m. in the 1300 block of SE 41st Court in Summerfield.
About five hours later, Ortiz-Lopez called the child’s mother and asked her to come pick up the baby, reportedly saying the infant had been crying nonstop and disturbing other children in the home.
When the mother arrived around 1 p.m., she immediately noticed bruises on the baby’s face.
According to police, Ortiz-Lopez claimed the baby had caused the injuries herself and suggested the mother bring mittens in the future so the child would not scratch herself.
Photos Showed Severe Bruising
After returning home, the mother took photos of the injuries and shared them with the baby’s father, who contacted police.
According to the arrest affidavit, deputies reviewing the photos observed:
- Bruising along the baby’s left cheek
- Swelling on the nose
- Bruises under the eyes
- Four distinct red lines consistent with a slap mark
Investigators noted that the bruising pattern appeared similar in size to the babysitter’s hand.
Doctors Believed Injuries Were Caused by Adult
The infant was later examined by medical professionals at a hospital.
Doctors reportedly concluded that the injuries were likely inflicted by an adult, not self-inflicted as the babysitter had claimed.
This medical assessment played a key role in the investigation.
Babysitter Gave Conflicting Explanations
When questioned by authorities, Ortiz-Lopez reportedly gave several different explanations for the baby’s injuries.
According to investigators, she initially claimed she did not see the baby when she was dropped off because the infant was covered with a blanket.
Later, she allegedly said the baby rubbed her face with a blanket and caused the bruising.
Deputies said Ortiz-Lopez remained calm during questioning and continued to deny hitting the child.
Friend Previously Suspected
After the incident, the baby’s mother contacted a friend who had recommended the babysitter.
The friend reportedly told investigators that she had previously removed her own children from Ortiz-Lopez’s care because she suspected the babysitter had been hitting them.
However, the friend said she never reported the suspicion to police because she was afraid of the babysitter.
Babysitter Taken Into Custody
Authorities eventually arrested Ortiz-Lopez and transported her to the Marion County Jail.
The investigation into the alleged abuse is ongoing.
