Babysitter Facing More Charges In Child Abuse Case
BELLE VERNON (KDKA) -- A man from Bentleyville is looking at more charges against him in a case of child abuse.
Joshua Tannous, first arrested for allegedly hurting a 2-year-old girl, is now charged with breaking her baby sister's leg.
Police say the two little girls, ages 6 months and 2, were left in the care of the 19-year-old live-in babysitter in January and February at their Fayette County home.
The girls' parents, Matthew and Tracy Price, both in their early 20s, told police they would come back to their Johnston Street home and allegedly find Tannous under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.
The children's diapers were not changed and they had not been fed. Police say the girls were left alone with Tannous repeatedly.
The sisters ended up in Children's Hospital. The 2-year-old suffered a laceration and bruises on her face, as well as a broken shoulder and collarbone.
Police arrested Tannous, charging him with aggravated and simple assault, endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment.
Soon after, the parents were picked up on endangerment charges for not getting immediate medical help. They told police they were afraid they'd lose their kids.
The Southwest Regional Police Department is now bringing more charges against Tannous, stemming from other injuries to the 6-month-old.
"She had injuries to her leg, a broken leg, and she had injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome," said Chief John Dale Hartman, of Southwest Regional Police.
After reviewing hospital evidence, the district attorney agreed to the added charges.
The three adults charged in the case were in the Fayette County Jail, but are out on bond.
CYS placed the little girls with relatives.
RELATED LINKS:
Police: Teen Assaulted 2-Year-Old While Babysitting (2/7/14)
Babysitter Accused Of Beating 2-Year-Old In Court (3/28/14)
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