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Sheriff: Hesperia Couple Arrested In Long-Term Abuse Of 6-Month-Old Boy

HESPERIA (CBSLA.com) — A San Bernardino County woman and her live-in boyfriend Thursday faced charges in the alleged long-term abuse of a six-month-old boy.

Christain Ricardo Lopez, 23, and 21-year-old Maria Estrada were arrested Tuesday at their home in the 14000 block of Sequoia Street in Hesperia, the sheriff's department said.

Authorities were alerted to the alleged abuse when a local doctor notified the Child Abuse Hotline after the couple had brought the infant in for medical care.

A deputy was sent to the suspects' home and "immediately recognized deformities in the infant's arms and legs indicating bone fractures," Det. Sgt. Doug Hubbard said.

The child was transported to a local hospital where X-Rays confirmed multiple fractures and "other injuries consistent with long term physical abuse."

The boy was later taken to Loma Linda Medical Center for extensive treatment and is expected to survive, authorities said.

Lopez was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for aggravated mayhem, torture and felony willful inhuman injury to a child. He is being held on $1 million bail.

It was unclear if Lopez was the child's father.

Estrada was also being held at the same facility on $1 million bail for willful injury to child likely to produce great bodily injury or death.

Detectives believe the mother was aware of the abuse but did nothing.

Anyone with additional information should contact Det. Sgt. Hubbard at (760)947-1500.

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