A Summit County jury has convicted a second person in the rape and abuse of an 11-month-old child at a Springfield Township hotel in 2024.
Jamilee Hunt, 38, of Hudson Falls, New York, was found guilty of raping and abusing the 11-month-old child of boyfriend Jason Santos, who was sentenced to life in prison April 21 in for his role in the case. Judge Joy Malek Oldfield presided over both trials; Hunt’s trial began April 22.
Hunt was represented by attorney Michael Edminister. The jury found Hunt guilty of one count of rape of a child under 13 Years, a first-degree felony; five counts of felonious assault, a second-degree felony; one count of endangering children by torture or cruel abuse, a second-degree felony; one count of endangering children by creating substantial risk to health or safety, a third-degree felony; and one count of endangering children, a fourth-degree felony.
“Jamilee Hunt failed this child. She failed as a caretaker, a guardian, and a protector, and I am disturbed by her crimes and inability to take responsibility for her role in the abuse and torture of this infant,” Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said in a news release. “Against daunting odds, the child is alive, safe and continuing to heal with her new guardian, and our hearts go out to her and her family as she grows up.”
Prosecutors said in November 2024, Springfield Township police officers were called to the Red Roof Inn for an unresponsive 11-month-old infant. Santos and Hunt, who falsely identified herself to authorities, claimed the baby had suddenly stopped breathing. While performing life-saving measures, officers observed extensive bruising and other visible signs of abuse.
The child was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where doctors and social workers determined she had multiple rib fractures, fractures to her arms and legs, and significant bruising, injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided. Many of the fractures were in various stages of healing, indicating prolonged abuse.
Further medical evaluation revealed the infant suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding resulting in hemorrhagic shock, and a broken clavicle. Doctors also discovered evidence consistent with rape and sexual assault.
Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. May 6.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Second defendant convicted in rape, abuse of 11-month-old baby
Reporting by Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
