Jesse Allen Sartin was sentenced to 35 years in prison for violently shaking his girlfriend's 21-month-old daughter, causing fatal brain injuries. The incident occurred in July 2024, and Sartin pleaded guilty to aggravated battery resulting in death. Judge F. Aaron Negangard cited the child's vulnerability and Sartin's breach of trust as key factors.
Jesse Allen Sartin, a 25-year-old from Indiana, received a 35-year prison sentence followed by five years of probation on Friday for the death of Caroline Ruth Boggs, his girlfriend's 21-month-old daughter. Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge F. Aaron Negangard imposed the penalty after Sartin pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery resulting in death, authorities announced. During sentencing, the judge highlighted aggravating factors including the toddler's extreme vulnerability, Sartin's role as her caregiver, the violent and prolonged nature of the assault, his prior criminal history, and the fact that he was on probation at the time. Sartin initially lied to investigators, claiming Caroline's injuries stemmed from a fall caused by a dog, but later admitted the truth. On July 24, 2024, while alone with the child as her mother worked, Sartin shook her violently for about 20 seconds during a bath. He told police she was 'being aggressive and flailing her arms' and would not leave the tub, frustrating him. A letter he wrote to his girlfriend detailed his growing upset: 'I tried to pull her out but she kept pulling away and I was getting upset. Baby, I'm so upset. I shook her trying to get her to calm down.' Caroline was rushed to St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital, then airlifted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for emergency surgery and life support. Despite efforts, she died on August 1 from abusive head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome, with her brain herniating and leaking through her ears due to severe swelling. Dearborn-Ohio Counties Prosecutor Lynn Deddens stated, 'This case represents a devastating and preventable loss of life. 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.' Family members described Caroline as a 'joyful, curious child' in victim impact statements. Upon release, Sartin will be prohibited from contact with minors.