A Mason, Ohio, chiropractor repeatedly abused his 3-month-old daughter because he wanted a son, authorities say.
Per WLWT, the mother took the infant girl to the hospital in February for a traumatic brain injury and multiple rib fractures that were in different stages of healing.
“The child had over 28 rib fractures of varying ages, meaning they had happened at different times,” prosecutor David Fornshell revealed.
While Jason Bittner, 33, reportedly told doctors that the injuries were caused by an accident, they suspected her injuries were consistent with abuse and contacted authorities. According to WXIX, Fornshell claimed the father was disappointed that his daughter was “fussy” and that wasn’t a boy. The suspect’s company website indicates that he and his wife have two daughters.
Fornshell said that the community “will be shocked at what comes out at trial” as Bittner is seen as a pillar of his community.
“Mr. Bittner is a medical professional,” the prosecutor said.
“By all accounts he’s a member of good standing in the community he’s active in his church and I think people think that people like that are incapable of committing acts of child abuse or even domestic violence and those kind of situations but unfortunately those types of acts are committed by all manner of people,”
Originally in the intensive care unit, the newborn has since been released from the hospital, the local station reported.
Bittner is charged with assault and two counts of endangering children. WLWT explained that the second count of endangering children is for failing to get his infant daughter medical attention.
Arranged today, the Ohio father’s bond was set at $25,000.
[Featured Image: Jason Bittner/Warren County Jail]