FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS 30 YEARS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE, RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT, TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 31, 2024
FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS 30 YEARS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE, RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT, TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE
Frederick, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable J. Barry Hughes sentenced Jesse Cook, age 45, of Frederick to Life plus 30 years in the Division of Corrections for first-degree child abuse, resulting in the death of an infant and two counts of second-degree child abuse. The State asked for and received the top of the sentencing guidelines, and the maximum possible penalty. Cook was convicted by a jury of one count of first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a child under 13 years old and two counts of second-degree child abuse on September 14, 2023.
On June 17, 2020, deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to an infant in cardiac arrest at 5305 Kingsbrook Drive in Frederick, MD. The infant was transported to Frederick Health Hospital where the infant was pronounced deceased by medical staff approximately one hour later. Child Protective Services was immediately notified. An autopsy revealed multiple injuries on the infant’s body consistent with non-accidental trauma, including approximately 20 healing broken ribs, a prior abdominal injury, and a new abdominal injury that ultimately led to the infant’s death at just one month and twenty-six days old. The Medical Examiner determined that the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and ruled the infant’s death a homicide. Through investigation by detectives with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, it was learned that the child’s father had sent numerous concerning text messages and searched numerous concerning subjects related to the infant child. Witnesses also reported that the defendant had been “rough” with the child during the child’s short life.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “These are the cases that keep you up at night realizing what some people are capable of. It is truly heartbreaking to think of an infant enduring this kind of repeated abuse and trauma. Now Jesse Cook will have to endure prison for the rest of his life, where he will no longer be a threat to any child.”
The victim’s mother addressed the Court in her Victim Impact Statement saying, “Jesse Cook took away my sunshine and my life; my will to live. I ask for full justice for my son.”
Judge J. Barry Hughes addressed the Court stating, “Public safety requires this sentencing to protect the public from the Defendant’s depravity and future felonious conduct.”
The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of Cook was a collaborative effort led by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and State’s Attorney’s Office. The State of Maryland was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Special Victims’ Unit, Lindsey Carpenter.
Press Contact:
Jacqueline Rottmann
Court Media Relations Officer
301-600-2972
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