A Sapulpa couple was sentenced on Monday for their role in abusing a 3-week-old baby, according to a statement released by the US Attorney’s office.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Jeannie Rene Romero, 25, and her husband Jacob Alejandro Romero, 24 to imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the statement, in October 2022, Jeannie was taking care of her three-week-old baby. While changing the baby’s diaper, Jeannie admittedly used unreasonable force, breaking the baby’s femur in half. She failed to seek medical attention for more than 48 hours. Doctors noted that the baby had additional injuries consistent with abuse.
Jacob was at work when the abuse occurred. However, the infant’s injury was noticeable, and he failed to seek help.
Jeannie was convicted of Child Abuse and Child Neglect, and ordered to serve 60 months, while Jacob was convicted of Child Neglect and ordered to serve 24 months.
The baby and its sibling were removed from the home and placed in the care of the family members. Jeannie and the baby are citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Jeannie will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Jacob was previously released on bond and taken into custody following his sentencing in June.
The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler prosecuted the case.
