BLOOMINGTON– A probationary deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Noel Hernandez Jr., has been fired after being charged with four felonies alleging he caused serious injuries to his 3-month-old child. Hernandez, 25, of Bloomington, was charged on Wednesday, May 22, with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, a Level 1 felony, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury, a Level 3 felony, and two counts of battery as a Level 3 felony.
Hernandez appeared in Monroe Circuit Court on May 22, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. A public defender will represent Hernandez. A pretrial conference is scheduled for June 25 at 10:00 a.m. The Jury Trial is set for October 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff issued a No-Contact Order preventing Hernandez from being near the baby.
Hernandez posted a $50,000 surety bond on May 23 and was released from jail. Judge Diekhoff ordered Hernandez to be placed on conditional release monitored by the Monroe County Probation Department.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case, the infant suffered broken ribs, neck injuries, likely several strokes, and showed signs of shaken baby syndrome. The baby was taken by medical helicopter to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis after the mother brought the child to the IU Health Bloomington Hospital’s emergency room on May 19.
Deputies were informed about the infant’s admission with multiple injuries in various stages of healing on May 19, and identified Hernandez as the child’s father. Due to the suspicious nature of the injuries, state police were contacted to conduct an independent investigation. Court documents detail that doctors listed the child’s injuries as “life-threatening” on May 20.
The child’s mother told investigators the baby was acting normally until left alone with Hernandez. She returned home to find the child crying with eyes shut, and the infant reportedly cried with eyes shut throughout the night, appearing “in a daze”.
Investigators questioned Hernandez about the injuries, noting he “appeared to be stressed” when confronted with the possibility of shaken baby syndrome. He denied harming his daughter, stating, “I would never hurt my baby”. However, investigators claim Hernandez became “very defensive” when directly questioned about the injuries and refused to speak further.
On May 21, doctors reaffirmed that the infant’s trauma was “not accidental” and “caused by physical trauma”. A warrant for Hernandez’s arrest was issued that same day.
Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté terminated Hernandez’s employment upon his arrest. Hernandez had only joined the sheriff’s department on March 31 and was still undergoing initial training. During a press conference, Sheriff Marté stated that his office immediately contacted Indiana State Police upon learning of the allegations.
“This was very shocking information provided to me and I can tell you that it was very difficult for us, particularly as a father; it was something that all of us gave a lot of thought to on how to move forward,” Sheriff Marté said. He was made aware of the infant’s condition on Monday and emphasized his office takes such matters “very seriously”.
Indiana State Police Sergeant Kevin Getz confirmed that the investigation into the case will continue, focusing on medical records and further interviews with witnesses.
