Dearborn County Man Sentenced 35 Years for Shaking 20-Month-Old

Following his release from prison, Sartin will serve five years on supervised probation and will be prohibited from having contact with minor children.

Photos provided by Dearborn County Prosecutor

(Dearborn Co.) - Dearborn-Ohio Counties Prosecutor Lynn Deddens announced that Jesse Allen Sartin, 25, has been sentenced to 35 years in the lndiana Department of Correction, followed by 5 years of probation, for the death of 20-month-old Caroline Ruth Boggs. Sartin pleaded guilty to Aggravated Battery Resulting in Death' a Level 1 Felony, in connection with the fatal injuries inflicted on Caroline on July 24th, 2024.

Sentencing was left to the discretion of the Honorable F. Aaron Negangard, Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. At the Sentencing Hearing, evidence was presented to the Court that Sartin was caring for Caroline when he violently shook the child for approximately 20 seconds, causing catastrophic brain injuries. Caroline was taken to St. Elizabeth Dearborn then transported to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery and was placed on life support. Despite extensive medical intervention, she died on August 1, 2024. The cause of death was due to abusive head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome. At sentencing, the Court emphasized the severity and brutality of the offense. The victim, just 20 months old, suffered devastating injuries including brain hemorrhaging, retinal bleeding, and ultimately fatal brain damage.

Judge Negangard found multiple aggravating factors supporting a significant sentence, including: 

• The extreme vulnerability of the victim due to her young age
• The defendant's position of trust as the child's caregiver
• The violent nature and duration of the assault
• The defendant's prior criminal history and probation status at the time of the offense

Following his release from prison, Sartin will serve five years on supervised probation and will be prohibited from having contact with minor children.

The Court further noted that Sartin initially provided false information to investigators before admitting his actions days later, and that the crime caused profound and lasting harm to Caroline's family.

"This case represents a devastating and preventable loss of life," said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. "Caroline was a healthy, loved child who depended on adults to protect her. Instead, she suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of someone entrusted with her care while her mother was at work. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that betrayal and ensures the defendant is held accountable."

Prosecutor Deddens commended the Lawrenceburg Police Department, medical professionals at St. Elizabeth Dearborn and Children's Hospital along with all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case. "This outcome is the result of thorough investigative work and the courage of Caroline's family in sharing their story," Deddens said. "We remain committed to protecting children and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our community. "

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is urged to report it immediately. Early intervention can save lives.