Teenage Father Microwaves Infant Daughter

Galveston, TX- Nineteen year old Joshua Mauldin of Warren, Arkansas, has been indicted by a grand jury on one count of felony injury to a child.

Currently in the Galveston County Jail, Mauldin's bail is set at $250,000. Facing a possible jail sentence of 5-99 years as well as a fine that could be as high as $10,000, Mauldin is accused of placing his two month old daughter in a microwave at the hotel the family was visiting.

The child was treated at the Shriners Burn Hospital where doctors from the University of Texas Medical Branch performed two skin grafts. The infant suffered third degree burns on the left side of her face and her left hand. Medical personnel report the baby's condition is listed as critical but stable.

Child Protective Services (CPS) has requested that no family members be allowed to visit the child's hospital room. CPS spokeswoman, Gwen Carter reported CPS has taken custody of the child, and the organization is moving to terminate parental rights.

Mauldin called 911, saying his daughter had been injured because he tripped while carrying a pot of hot water for coffee, according to the Houston Chronicles.

Carter said, "Our staff worked really closely with law enforcement officials and medical staff who questioned the incident as it was explained."

Local police officer, Sgt. Annie Almendarez stated that investigators have determined the injuries are inconsistent with Mauldin's story.

The family came to Galveston from Arkansas because Mauldin received a call to become a preacher. The child's mother and Mauldin's mother were out of the hotel room, picking up dinner when the incident occurred. Both the mother and grandmother are being questioned in the ongoing investigation. Calling the incident, "pretty damned horrible," Galveston County District of Attorney, Kurk Sistruck acknowledged the investigation's ongoing status "means there may be more charges forthcoming."

Manager of the Quality Inn, James Marx told investigators that Mauldin had initially told several employees that his daughter was sunburned.

Later, Mauldin told police he had put the child in the microwave, because he was stressed. Investigators estimate that the child was in the microwave between 10-20 seconds.

Assistant District of Attorney, Xochitl Vandiver, prosecutor for child abuse cases, commented, "Her injuries are pretty significant." Vandiver continued by saying its "unusual and horrific. I've never seen anything like it."

This incident is not Mauldin's first accusation of abuse. Last year, Mauldin plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.