Police in Florida say a babysitter abused a toddler in a horrifying act. Timothoes Powell, 29, allegedly tried to circumcise a 2-year-old who he was caring for while the boy's mother was at work. The man reportedly tried to cover up what happened with a bizarre story about why the child was bleeding.
According to a police report obtained by Fox 35, however, the child's injuries appeared suspicious, and one expert reportedly believed that Powell may have attempted to circumcise the boy. Today, he sits in jail waiting for his arraignment later this month.
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The child was reportedly Powell's cousin.
Fox 35 reported Powell was caring for his cousin in Holly Hill on October 17, according to the police report. He reportedly contacted the child's mother to tell her the toddler's penis was bleeding and that he found a piece of glass in his diaper. The police report also noted that Powell allegedly said he tried to wipe the penis with too much force, which caused the skin to tear.
When medical staff examined the boy, they knew something was wrong.
The police report noted staff at the hospital had to glue the child's penis to repair the tear. According to police, staff reported the injury because they "feared some type of abuse was happening at the residence." An investigation reportedly brought their fears to light.
The toddler's home was reportedly equipped with home surveillance cameras.
Police said the video allegedly showed Powell abusing the little boy throughout the course of the day. He allegedly yelled at the child, squirting water on him and threatening to put soap in his mouth if he didn't behave, Fox 35 reported. He also appeared "frustrated" as he changed the child's diaper.
Before his arrest, Powell allegedly came up with a story for police.
The elder cousin reportedly told police during an interview that he noticed the child was bleeding, that there was a piece of glass in his diaper, and that he may have wiped too hard but did not "intentionally cut" him.
The Child Protection Team said that was not the case.
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An expert reviewed the child's injuries and believed them to be consistent with abuse.
According to police, the Child Protection Team's advance practice nurse determined the injury to the child's penis was not due to any accidental trauma. It was allegedly "much too clean and precise to be accidental in any way," per Fox 35. The expert added Powell may "have tried to circumcise" the child.
Powell's last known address was in Ruther Glen, Virginia, about 30 miles from the state capital in Richmond, USA Today reported.
Today, Powell is in the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $100,000 bond. A public defender will represent Powell, but he has not entered a plea, according to USA Today. He is due in court November 21.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
