Bedford Woman Sentenced To Prison After Infant Injured

(BEDFORD) – Lawrence County Superior Court I Judge John Plummer III sentenced 26-year-old Cassandra Longest to five years in prison after she pleaded guilty to a Level 5 felony charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury.

Cassandra Longest

“The 7-week old victim, in this case, was treated for bleeding of the brain, multiple rib fractures, and a broken arm,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Allison Chopra. “As her mother, Cassandra Longest, is responsible for the welfare of her child.  She failed and therefore must be held accountable.” 

According to a probable cause affidavit, on April 14, 2017, Bedford Police officers were called to St. Vincent Dunn Hospital after a baby was being treated for bruising and swelling to the head, multiple skull fractures, and rib fractures.

The baby was rushed to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, where medical staff determined the injuries had occurred during two separate incidents.

The baby’s mother, Cassandra Longest, told Bedford Police that she had left her baby in the care of her live-in boyfriend Joseph Glover multiple times between April 11 and April 14, 2017 while she was at work.

Joseph Glover

Longest told police that on April 11, 2017, Glover texted her saying he had almost dropped the baby. Longest told police she noticed a bruise on the child’s face, which her boyfriend told her was from catching the baby by the head.

Police say Longest nor Glover took the baby for medical treatment.

Longest then told police that on April 14, 2017 she had attempted to enter the baby’s room and found it locked. She told police she eventually got into the room and noticed more bruises and swelling on the baby’s face. Glover asked Longest not to take the child for treatment.

According to the affidavit, Longest told police she allowed Glover to care for the child even though she knew he was taking drugs at the time.

Glover, 26, of Heltonville, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury to a baby.