Joseph Anthony Brooks, 29, of Port Charlotte, was found guilty of Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Neglect, following a four-day trial in Charlotte County.
On February 20, 2020, Brooks was babysitting a 6-month-old child and while in his care, the child stopped breathing. Instead of calling 911, the defendant called the child’s mother. She called her
sister who was nearby and she rushed the child to the hospital.
Doctors discovered the baby had recent abusive head trauma. The defendant had been watching the child for a couple of months, at numerous times. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit handled the investigation, which led to the arrest of the defendant.
Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Garczewski, Charlotte County Felony Chief, and Assistant State Attorney Alexa Lipham prosecuted the case. Sentencing is scheduled for October 7, 2022.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office