BARTOW, Fla. — Bartow Police arrested a 39-year-old man Wednesday and charged with child abuse after he admitted to placing his 9-year-old daughter's hand on a hot stove, burning her to "teach her a lesson."
- Felipe Casanova, 39, charged with aggravated child abuse
- Abuse initially reported by child's school
- More Polk County stories
Officials said the 9-year-old child's school initially reported the child abuse, which prompted an investigation by the agency and the Department of Children and Family Services.
Investigators learned that the child arrived at school Wednesday with a black eye and a significant burn on her right palm. During an interview, the child stated that her father had disciplined her by placing her hand on the stovetop, resulting in the burn.
Detectives then spoke to the child's father, Felipe Casanova, at their Bartow home, where he confirmed he'd disciplined his daughter for stealing from the family. He told them he did it to "teach her a lesson."
Further, Casanova said that the child pulled away from the stove and fell when she stumbled over a stool near the stove, causing the black eye.
Detectives arrested Casanova immediately, He faces aggravated child abuse charges.
Felipe Casanova. (Courtesy of Polk County Jail)