Man sentenced to prison for shaking baby, causing death

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A man has been to 35 years in prison for shaking an infant, causing catastrophic injuries. 

25-year-old Jesse Sartin was watching his girlfriend’s daughter on July 24, 2024 when the incident occurred. 

Prosecutors say he shook 20-month-old Caroline Ruth Boggs for approximately 20 seconds.

She was later taken to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and was placed on life support. Despite extensive medical intervention, she died on August 1, 2024. 

The cause of death was due to abusive head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome, prosecutors said. 

Sartin pleaded guilty to Aggravated Battery Resulting in Death and a sentencing hearing was held this week. 

“At sentencing, the Court emphasized the severity and brutality of the offense. The victim, just 20 months old, suffered devastating injuries including brain hemorrhaging, retinal bleeding, and ultimately fatal brain damage,’ Dearborn-Ohio Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said. 

Before giving a sentence, the judge cited aggravated factors being the extreme vulnerability of the victim, Sartin’s position of trust as a the child’s caregiver, the violent nature of the assault and his prior criminal history. 

Prosecutors added that Sartin had initially lied to police before admitting to his actions later. 

“Caroline was a healthy, loved child who depended on adults to protect her. Instead, she suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of someone entrusted with her care while her mother was at work," Deddens said.

Following his release from prison, Sartin will serve five years on supervised probation and will be prohibited from having contact with minor children.

Prosecutor Deddens commended the Lawrenceburg Police Department, medical professionals at St. Elizabeth Dearborn and Children’s Hospital along with all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

“This outcome is the result of thorough investigative work and the courage of Caroline’s family in sharing their story,” Deddens said. “We remain committed to protecting children and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is urged to report it immediately. Early intervention can save lives.