Crystal Ashley Carrasquillo, 24, of Port Charlotte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today followed by 10 years of probation, for one count of Aggravated Child Abuse. The defendant must also undergo a mental health evaluation and complete follow-up treatment.The State was set for trial on August 23, 2021, when the defendant decided to make an open plea to the court. That is when the defendant gives up their right to a jury trial and pleas straight to the judge for sentencing. It is not a plea agreement.
The defendant had physically abused a three-month old child repeatedly. The crime was uncovered in 2018, when the child was taken to the hospital by a family member, when the child had trouble breathing. It was then discovered that the child had numerous broken bones in various stages of healing. The
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, leading to the defendant’s arrest.
Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Garczewski and Assistant State Attorney Michael Colombo Jr. prosecuted
the case.