A Florida man has been charged with aggravated child abuse after police alleged he attacked a five-year-old boy because he believed the child was gay.
Andre Brown Jr., 33, was arrested on Sunday in the city of Davenport following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the charge has been enhanced as a hate crime, meaning it carries a more severe penalty under Florida law.
According to deputies, the investigation began after a nine-year-old girl who was in Brown’s care contacted her mother to report what was happening inside the home. In a message quoted by police, she wrote: “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared”.
Officers said the children told investigators that Brown became angry with the five-year-old “for being gay” and repeatedly slammed him onto the ground. Deputies allege Brown also struck all three children in the house with a belt, leaving them with visible injuries.
Medical examinations revealed the five-year-old had suffered the most serious injuries, including a fractured wrist, bruising to his legs, arms, back and stomach, and a contusion to his forehead. Police said the injuries were consistent with being hit by a belt.
Court documents allege Brown admitted targeting the child because of his perceived sexual orientation. According to the arrest affidavit, Brown told deputies he attempted to “beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn’t possible he would beat him more”.
Two other children were also found to have bruising on their arms and legs. Authorities have not confirmed why Brown was supervising the children or whether he is related to them. The five-year-old reportedly told investigators he was frightened and did not wish to speak further about what had happened.
During his arrest, Brown allegedly resisted officers and shouted slurs, leading to an additional charge of resisting arrest, police said.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the alleged attack, saying: “This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenceless child. There is absolutely no excuse for it. We will make sure justice is served and these children get the safety and support they deserve”.
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