A newborn rushed to the emergency room with multiple broken bones has led to serious felony charges and big questions about how someone accused in such a case could be released pending court.
Investigators were called to the Southern Ohio Medical Center emergency room on January 10 after doctors reported a 2-month-old infant suffering from fractures to the clavicle and femur.
The following night, around 11 p.m., Franklin Torres, whose address is listed in Lucasville, was booked into the Scioto County Jail.
Torres now faces:
- Three counts of Endangering Children
- Two counts of Felonious Assault
Court Appearance and Release
Torres appeared Monday in Portsmouth Municipal Court, where he was released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 15.
Police say no additional details about the investigation are being released at this time.
What Do These Charges Mean in Ohio?
While every case depends on evidence and court findings, Ohio law sets serious potential penalties for the charges Torres is facing.
Felonious Assault (Ohio Revised Code 2903.11)
Felonious assault is typically a second-degree felony.
Potential penalties include:
- 2 to 8 years in prison per count
- Up to a $15,000 fine
- Mandatory prison time is common if serious physical harm is proven
With two counts, sentences can be ordered consecutively, depending on the judge.
Endangering Children (Ohio Revised Code 2919.22)
Endangering children can range from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the second degree, depending on the severity of harm and circumstances.
Potential penalties include:
- Up to 36 months in prison (F3)
- 2 to 8 years in prison (F2)
- Loss of custody or parental rights
- Permanent placement on child abuse registries
When injuries involve infants and broken bones, courts often treat these cases at the highest felony levels.
Why Release Someone Facing These Charges?
Release at this stage does not mean innocence or that charges aren’t serious. Under Ohio law:
- Defendants are presumed innocent
- Judges must follow bond and release guidelines
- A preliminary hearing is used to determine if enough evidence exists to move the case forward
Still, cases involving very young children often leave the public asking whether release conditions truly protect the most vulnerable.
What Happens Next
At the January 15 preliminary hearing, prosecutors will need to show probable cause to move the case to grand jury consideration.
Until then, details remain sealed—and a critically injured infant remains at the center of the case.