OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) -- A Troy woman has been charged in connection to suspected abuse of a 13-month-old child.
The Oakland County Prosecutor says 44-year-old Swapna Hari was babysitting the child when the alleged incident happened on September 3, 2024.
Hari reportedly said the child began choking after falling backward while eating. The toddler was hospitalized with severe head trauma.
Officials said doctors determined that the child's injuries were inconsistent with falling backward or choking.
"In a single moment, this healthy and happy 13-month-old child suffered a life-changing injury, allegedly at the hands of this defendant," said Prosecutor Karen McDonald.
"Our office sees too many cases of childhood brain injuries caused by abusers. These are physical injuries that often never heal completely. It's heartbreaking and horrifying to learn a caregiver would harm a child instead of protecting them."
Hari is charged with first degree child abuse -- which is punishable by up to life in prison.