20-077 Detectives Arrest St. Petersburg Man for Aggravated Child Abuse
Child Abuse Arrest
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit
-Child Protection Investigation Division
Support Services Bureau
-Forensic Science Division
Donald Fox (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 09/02/1984
Address: 3094 55th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Charge: Aggravated Child Abuse
The victim is a 6-week-old male. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.
What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a St. Petersburg man for Aggravated Child Abuse.
When:
The crime was reported on May 27, 2020 and Fox was arrested on May 28, 2020 at about 2:12pm.
Where:
The crime occurred at 3094 55th Avenue North in St. Petersburg.
Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a St. Petersburg man for Aggravated Child Abuse.
Detectives were notified of the child’s injuries after 35-year-old Donald Fox brought the child to the pediatrician for leg injuries. The child was then taken to All Children’s Hospital for further evaluation where multiple fractures were located throughout the victim’s body.
Investigators learned the victim sustained multiple fractures to each leg, both ankles and numerous fractures to the ribs on both sides. The injuries were found to be in various stages of healing – likely from one to two weeks old. Child protection investigators removed the child from Fox’s care and notified the hospital that contact was prohibited.
Detectives spoke with Fox about the injuries which he claimed were accidental and occurred at his residence. Fox told detectives the victim may have “tapped” a door frame with his legs and injured the ribs while he was preventing a fall.
Through various investigative techniques, detectives noted inconsistencies in Fox’s explanation of the injuries. Fox later admitted to detectives that he squeezed the victim’s torso and ankles out of “annoyance” and “frustration.”
Fox was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.
The victim remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation continues.
