Man charged with child abuse for 'cutting relative, 2, in botched circumcision'

03 November 2023 , 15:15

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Timothoes Powell has been charged with child abuse (Image: FOX)

A man has been charged with child abuse after allegedly cutting his two-year-old relative in a botched circumcision while babysitting.

Timothoes Powell, 29, from Florida, was arrested last month after phoning the tot's mum at around 7pm on October 17 to inform her that the child was “bleeding from his penis area as glass had entered his diaper,” according to police.

The boy's mum, who was at work, quickly rushed the boy to hospital after he suffered a laceration on his genitals and needed to have his skin glued to repair the injury. Medics were concerned with the injury and flagged it to the police after fearing he might have been abused.

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According to investigators who spoke to the family, the toddler was in Powell's care at the time of the injury. The suspect was interviewed by officers and told them "there must have been a piece of glass in his diaper."

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Powell also told cops “he may have pulled [the boy’s] penis downward with too much force” and wiped him “very hard.” He said he “did not intentionally cut” the child.'

The relative has been chared by police (FOX)

However, according to a senior nurse from the Child Protection Team, the boy's cut was "much too clean and precise to be accidental in any way" and that it was done with "intent." She believes the injury looked like "they may have tried to circumcise" the child.

Investigators said Powell's denials and statements about how the boy was cut didn't add up with his lacerations. CCTV footage recovered from the home shows erratic behaviour towards the child from Powell.

In the disturbing home security cameras, Powell is seen changing the boy's diaper and walking away with an unknown object in his hand. The baby screams and cries following the interaction, according to a police report.

Timothoes Powell has been charged with child abuse (FOX)

In another video, Powell appeared "frustrated" while putting on the child's nappy after allegedly yelling at him. He also threatened to put soap in his mouth and squirt him with water if he made any noise.

The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and remains behind bars at the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Liam Buckler