A Marion County woman who provided babysitting services for multiple families was arrested Tuesday after deputies say a baby left in her care returned home with severe facial bruising that medical professionals determined could not have been self-inflicted.
Viviana Harumi Ortiz-Lopez was taken into custody March 10 by Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detective Zachary Elliott on a charge of felony child abuse.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Hill responded to the child’s home after the parents reported visible bruising on their baby’s face and nose shortly after picking her up from the babysitter. When questioned, Ortiz-Lopez told the parents the infant caused the injuries herself.
After observing the child, Deputy Hill instructed the parents to seek immediate medical evaluation and notified Major Crimes detectives.
At the hospital, Detective Elliott consulted with physicians and a medical professional from Kimberly’s Center, who advised the injuries were inconsistent with self-infliction. Investigators noted the bruising pattern appeared consistent with an adult-sized hand.
During interviews with detectives, the parents said Ortiz-Lopez had been recommended to them as a babysitter. They told investigators their child appeared normal when dropped off but later received a call from Ortiz-Lopez stating the baby would not stop crying and needed to be picked up. When they arrived, they discovered the injuries.
Authorities said Ortiz-Lopez, who told detectives she regularly babysits several children in the area, gave multiple contradictory statements when questioned about what happened.
Ortiz-Lopez was transported to the Marion County Jail, where she is being held without bond.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims due to the suspect’s babysitting history. Anyone who believes their child may have been affected is asked to contact Detective Elliott at 352-368-3847.
