Louisiana Parents Arrested for Cruelty to an Infant

The parents of a 7-month-old child were arrested this week for second-degree cruelty to a juvenile according to officials with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office.

The investigation by the sheriff's office began early this month when they were contacted by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services who told them the child was suffering from neglect.

According to officials, the child had been in the hospital from birth due to ongoing medical issues. When the child was released from the hospital, the sheriff's office says the parents were instructed to feed their child through the feeding tube.

Allegations have been made that the father, 47-year-old Marcus J. Blue was seen by someone else giving the baby a bottle of infant formula. Department of Children and Family Services officials say the child appeared to be dehydrated.

Both the father and the mother, 26-year-old Brittany Nero of Lake Charles, were instructed on what to do with the child's feeding and breathing tube. They were given instructions on the proper way to take care of the baby.

In addition to the situation with the incorrect feeding, investigators say they found diaper rash so severe on the child that there were bleeding sores on her skin.

The child was transported to another medical facility, and the little girl is in the custody of DCFS.

The judge set bond at $500,000 for both parents. The mother, Nero, has bonded out.

A reminder from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office:

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged.

A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.