A man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the d3ath of his girlfriend’s 20-month-old daughter in Dearborn County, United States.
Jesse Sartin, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery resulting in d3ath.
In July 2024, Sartin and the girl’s mother rushed Caroline Boggs to the hospital.
Sartin told medical staff and later police, that the little girl had been standing on an ottoman while he made her a bottle and one of the couple’s dogs knocked her over.
Sartin says he called the little girl’s mother and picked her up from work and all three went to St. Elizabeth Dearborn.
The toddler was then taken to Children’s Hospital. She had surgery to remove part of her skull to release the brain swelling and remove a hematoma. She d!ed a week later.
Doctors told investigator’s that Caroline’s injuries were consistent with shaking, instead of a fall.
Sartin eventually admitted to shaking Caroline, and it wasn’t the first time.
Sartin said at the time that he treated the little girl like his own daughter but the couple was stressing recently over money after he was fired from his job, according to investigators.
Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said victim impact statements described Caroline as a joyful, curious child whose life was cut tragically short.
Family members spoke of the lasting trauma and grief caused by her d3ath.
“This case represents a devastating and preventable loss of life,” said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. “Caroline was a healthy, loved child who depended on adults to protect her. lnstead she suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of someone entrusted with her care while her mother was at work. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that betrayal and ensures the defendant is held accountable.”
Once Sartin is released from prison, he will be prohibited from having contact with any children for the five years he is on probation.
