Care Provider and Boyfriend Arrested for Child Abuse

On August 3, 2011, a four-month-old female was rushed to a local hospital after her care provider, 25-year-old Angelica Jimenez, discovered the infant was not breathing.  Medical personnel were able to resuscitate the baby and, after conducting numerous tests, found the infant sustained multiple bruises, abrasions, and a cigarette burn.  It was also discovered the baby sustained 14 broken bones throughout her body. 

Angelica initially told investigators she was alone when the infant stopped breathing.  However, Family Crimes Detectives learned Angelica’s boyfriend, 30-year-old Steven Saldana, was staying at Angelica’s residence at the time of the event.  When Child Protective Services initially placed the infant in Angelica’s care, Angelica advised CPS her boyfriend did not reside with her.  Steven, a convicted felon with a long criminal history, began abusing the infant on July 31, 2011.  Angelica never reported the July 31, 2011 incident to police or CPS, and even allowed Steven to return to her residence on August 2, 2011 where he continued the abuse. 

Detectives arrested Angelica and Steven in Mesa on August 23, 2011.  Both were booked into the Maricopa County jail.  Angelica was booked under one count of Child Abuse and Hindering Prosecution while Steven was booked under three counts of Child Abuse. 

The Chandler Police Department urges everyone to report suspicion of abuse to their local law enforcement agency or to CPS.  Help from the public in reporting suspicious marks, patterns, clothing, or mannerisms is a duty and an obligation we all share.  For more information, please visit www.preventchildabuse.us or call 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-777-2445). 

For further information contact Detective Seth Tyler.