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Santa Rosa County, FL A, mother and her boyfriend are facing serious criminal charges following an alarming case of suspected child abuse in Florida’s Panhandle. Authorities say a young toddler was subjected to ongoing physical abuse that left her with multiple broken bones, bite marks, bruises, and even missing teeth.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on January 8, 2025, after the toddler was brought to a local hospital with extensive injuries in various stages of healing. According to the arrest affidavit, the girl—whose age has not been publicly disclosed—suffered fractures to her arm, leg, and ribs. She also had bruises across her body, a human bite mark, and her two bottom teeth had been knocked out.
Jordan Moore, 28, the child’s mother, is charged with child neglect. Her boyfriend, Jesse Smith, 29, is facing charges of aggravated child abuse. Authorities believe the abuse primarily took place while Smith was watching the toddler.
During police interviews, Moore denied that Smith abused her daughter, instead blaming the injuries on a genetic condition known as Brittle Bone Disease. However, doctors ruled out that diagnosis after testing. Moore also minimized Smith’s involvement in her daughter’s care, claiming he was never alone with the children for long periods. Investigators say phone records contradict her account.
Text messages reviewed by detectives show Moore confronting Smith about his behavior. On December 22, she allegedly texted him:“You purposely hit her head on the door. All I did was ask why you did that, and then you threw her in the backseat. You act like you hate my kids, and it hurts. I’m so good to your kids. Treat them like they are my own, and you act like you can’t stand [the victim].”
In addition, a family member who works closely with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) raised serious concerns about the toddler’s condition in early December. According to the affidavit, the family member noted that the child appeared “horrible” and “looked like she had been punched in the face.” Over several days, the family member observed new injuries each time he saw the toddler and expressed fears that DCF would remove the child if they saw her condition.
“Don’t take her out in public,” the family member warned Moore. By December 23, the family member pleaded with Moore to let the girl stay with him, texting, “Someone is abusing this kid!”
Investigators said Moore dismissed his concerns, blaming the injuries on falls and bug bites.
When questioned by police, Smith denied inflicting abuse. He claimed that he only playfully pinched the toddler’s nose. However, another sibling told authorities that Smith would get angry when the girl cried. According to the sibling, Smith would pinch the toddler’s nose with tweezers and cover her mouth, which detectives believe to be another form of abuse.
Both Moore and Smith were arrested on March 1. Prosecutors formally filed charges on March 10. Jesse Smith is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $300,000 bond, while Jordan Moore has bonded out. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 27.
This heartbreaking case has sparked outrage in the community and raised serious concerns about child welfare protections in the region.