A Poplar woman charged with felony assault of a child pled guilty in Great Falls Federal Court.
Shelby Loves Him, 23, pled guilty Monday, May 16 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and felony child abuse. She is alleged to have beat a child so severe it caused permanent damage to a toddler. She is currently detained.
Court documents filed by the government state Loves Him had been caring for the victim since approximately August 2021 when the incident happened.
On Dec. 8, 2021, police responded to a call of an unresponsive child at the Poplar Community Hospital. Bruises and scratches marked his head, arms and legs. When interviewed about events prior to arriving at the hospital, Loves Him said she had struck the child multiple times in the week before December 8, 2021. Documents state she assaulted and choked the victim until he lost consciousness.
The boy was flown to Salt Lake City, for emergency life-saving surgery and care. Trauma from the assault left permanent damage. He continues to suffer significant impairment from the injuries sustained.
Loves Him faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
