FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont woman has been charged with neglect after doctors reported injuries consistent with abuse that left an infant blind in one eye.
The investigation started on Sept. 30 when officers from the Fairmont Police Department received information from Child Protective Services (CPS) that a 3 year old had been treated at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and the injuries were consistent with child abuse.
The doctor told officers the infant had bleeding on the brain, brain swelling, bi-lateral retinal hemorrhaging, left femur fracture and viral meningitis. The injuries and general health of the child was most likely caused by head trauma, abuse and nutritional neglect.
One of the individuals responsible for the care of the child, Jessica Mercado, 40, was arrested for child neglect and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail.