Las Cruces Woman Arrested After Infant Son Burned By Iron

By Miguel Martinez

LAS CRUCES — Las Cruces police have arrested the mother of a one-year-old infant who failed to seek medical attention after her son burned himself on a hot iron.

25-year-old Leslie Ann Garcia was arrested Tuesday and charged with one felony count of intentional child abuse. Investigators said Garcia’sson received a burn on his foot after a hot iron fell from a dresser.

The incident occurred on January 29 and detectives said Garcia told acaregiver she had applied ointment to treat the burn, but failed to seek further medical attention for the toddler.

Thecaregiver with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department wasadvised of the child’s injury. Investigators said the wound may have become infected by the time he was removed from the home and placed in the custody of the state.

Garcia is being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond.