U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill has sentenced 25-year-old Jeannie Rene Romero to 60 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for charges of Child Abuse and Child Neglect in Indian Country. The sentencing comes after a disturbing case involving the abuse of her three-week-old infant in October 2022.
According to court documents, Jeannie was caring for her newborn baby when she used unreasonable force while changing the infant’s diaper, resulting in the baby’s femur being broken in half.
Despite the severity of the injury, Jeannie failed to seek medical attention for more than 48 hours. Medical professionals later discovered additional injuries on the infant that were consistent with ongoing abuse.
READ: Chicago Resident Rips Officials Criticizing Deportations Of Illegal Immigrants
In a related case, Jeannie’s husband, 24-year-old Jacob Alejandro Romero, was sentenced in June 2024 to 24 months in prison and five years of supervised release for Child Neglect in Indian Country. Although Jacob was at work when the abuse occurred, he failed to seek medical help for the infant despite noticing the injury.
Both Jeannie and Jacob are members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the case falls under federal jurisdiction due to the crime occurring in Indian Country. Following the investigation, the infant and their sibling were removed from the home and placed in the care of family members.
READ: New Seminole Casino Slated To Open Amid Illegal Casino Crackdown
Jeannie will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Jacob, who was released on bond after his initial charges, was taken into custody following his sentencing in June.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sapulpa Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler leading the prosecution.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.