SPRING HILL Cody Marrone, a Hernando County cop, was taken into custody over the weekend after it was discovered that he used the hot end of a hairdryer to repeatedly scorch the body of a 3-yr-old toddler.
The toddler did not belong to Marrone but was left in his care.
The 3-yr-old was found with severe burns all over his body including his genital area.
Cody Marrone was charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect.
At first, Marrone claimed that the child did it to himself.
But after deeper investigation, it was determined that the burns were not accidental.
They were intentionally inflicted on the child over and over again as the child screamed and cried.
After the investigation, Marrone finally admitted to using the hairdryer to burn the childs body.
He said that he did it as punishment because the child wouldnt let him sleep, according to reports.
Marrone was held in jail but has since been released on bail.
Meanwhile, the child has been traumatized for life.
The Hernando County Sheriffs Office told Bay 9 News that additional details would be released soon.
UPDATE: Blisters and 2nd Degree Burns all Over His Body, Toddler Likely Has Permanent Damage
This is an example of a 2nd degree burn. The cop inflicted 2nd degree burns and red swollen blistering in several parts of the childs body, including his genital area.
According to newly released information published by Bay 9 News, the childs scorched skin continued festering throughout the day without any medical attention.
There are no details as to what exactly the cop was doing throughout the day as he left the burned child in agony.
It turns out that the childs mother had to work and trusted the cop, who was her boyfriend, to take care of her child while she was gone.
It wasnt until the childs mother returned home and was undoubtedly horrified by the injuries that the child was rushed to the hospital.
According to the medical reports, the cops actions caused 2nd degree burns and blistering to several parts of the childs body, including his genital area.
Medical professionals at the hospital indicated that the child probably has permanent damage as a result.