AUGUSTA — A 24-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday night at the Augusta Police Department on charges of assaulting her infant son.

Jessica Lynn Padgett was indicted Sept. 23 by a grand jury in Kennebec County on charges of aggravated assault and assault. However, the indictment was sealed until her arrest.

The indictment says the offenses occurred Sept. 20, 2009, in Augusta, when her son was approximately two months old.

An indictment is not a determination of guilt, but it is an indication that sufficient evidence is present to proceed with formal charges and a trial in superior court.

Kennebec County District Attorney Evert Fowle said an investigation began after the child was brought to the emergency room with multiple bruises and scrapes on his arms.

Fowle said the child suffered a broken rib.

“We were advised of this by Department of Health and Human Services Child Protective Services,” Fowle said. The agency “has been involved in this case longer than we have,” he said.

Fowle said the baby has been placed with the Department of Health and Human Services after law enforcement intervened in the case shortly after the child was hospitalized. Two

other children in the family are being cared for elsewhere since earlier this year, Fowle said.

“Augusta police did a very detailed investigation, and we sought more information,” Fowle said. “There were a number of different interviews conducted, a detailed investigation as to who was likely responsible.”

Fowle said the charges involve the same conduct. One charge alleges serious bodily injury; the other alleges bodily injury.

Padgett’s bail was set at $10,000 worth of property or $1,000 cash. Conditions of bail ban her from contact with victim and from use and possession of illegal drugs. Once she has an attorney, she can ask that her bail be reviewed, Fowle said.

There are other charges pending against Padgett, involving unpaid fines, in Augusta District Court, Fowle said.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

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