Jonathan M. Latham
Update August 15, 2016
Prince Frederick, MD— On August 15, a grand jury at the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse indicted Jonathan M. Latham, 28 of Lexington Park on four criminal counts.
The criminal counts include first-degree child abuse, second-degree child abuse, child abuse severe physical injury and two counts of reckless endangerment.
Latham has an initial appearance in the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse scheduled for August 22 at 8:30 a.m.
St.Leonard, MD— On July 21, the Department of Social Services- Child Protective Services Division contacted Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Detective Rector regarding a child who was receiving medical treatment at the Children’s National Medical Center.
It was determined that the child fell ill July 7, at his residence located at Douglas Street in St. Leonard. It was further determined that the child was transported by Maryland State Police helicopter (Trooper 7) to Children’s Hospital.
After consulting with CPS personnel July 21, it was determined that the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office would responded to Children’s Hospital in an attempt to conduct interviews with the parents of the child.
Upon arrival at the hospital, it was learned that the child was located in the Intensive Car Unit suffering from brain trauma, which is consistent to that of being “shaken,” according to nursing staff.
Contact was made with Jonathan M. Latham, 28 of Lexington Park, who agreed to talk with Rector. Latham was advised that he was not under arrest and that he was free to go anytime and he stated he understood that he was free to leave.
An interview was conducted which resulted in Latham stating, “he has shaken the victim violently on two occasions, approximately one minute in length,” according to charging documents.
Latham described shaking the victim, out of frustration, by placing both hands under his arms and shaking him up and down for almost 60 seconds on two separate occasions. The display of the shaking appeared violent and consistent with the injuries suffered.
Latham was asked why he shook the child, and he stated, “he has anger problems and gets very frustrated with a crying child,” according to charging documents.
Another instance was discussed when there was a physical domestic incident inside a moving vehicle and he (Latham) slammed on the brakes going approximately 40 mph to a complete stop, jolting the car-seated child around violently.
Medical staff, “confirmed that the victim is in critical condition with a severe brain injury, head trauma, a previous fractured rib that is healing, and bruising around the eyes,” charging documents stated.
Rector transported Latham to Calvert County via his patrol car. While en route to Calvert County, Latham stated that he contemplated suicide July 21 and wanted to seek professional mental assistance.
Latham was transferred to the nursing staff at Calvert Memorial Hospital on an emergency petition after stating that he wanted to kill himself.
Latham has been charged with second-degree assault, second-degree child abuse, neglect and attempted second-degree murder.
Latham is currently being held without bond, Latham has a tentative preliminary hearing scheduled for August 19 in District Court. Latham faces a maximum jail sentence of 30 years.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com