Cops: Fla. Man Wrestles Toddler, Fractures Ribs

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. -- Authorities say a southwest Florida man performed wrestling moves on his girlfriend's toddler while watching the sport on television.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said Saturday the 21-month-old boy was found to have at least four fractured ribs. His mother, 26-year-old Alexis Serrano, told investigators that boyfriend Steve Plummer would often slam the toddler on the bed multiple times with great force. Serrano said she also saw Plummer punch her son in the ribs, throw a basketball at his stomach, and slam him against a wall.

Serrano told authorities she did not fear Plummer but wanted to believe the situation would improve.

The 35-year-old Plummer has been charged with aggravated child abuse. Serrano was charged with child neglect.

The toddler and his sibling are staying with relatives.