Father admits seriously injuring newborn daughter

Franklin man changes plea to guilty; jury trial was slated to begin next week.

Joseph Ramirez

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 7:43 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2009

LEBANON — A Franklin man who injured his newborn daughter in January pleaded guilty to felony charges just days before he was to stand trial in Warren County Common Pleas Court.

Joseph Hector Ramirez, 23, pleaded guilty to felonious assault and endangering children charges Tuesday, June 23 — both second-degree felonies — according to Matt Nolan, spokesman for the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.

Ramirez, who is being housed at the Warren County Jail, was slated for a three-day jury trial to start on Monday, June 29.

His change of heart surprised prosecutors who said they were ready for trial.

“There were no plea or sentencing agreements made,” Nolan said. “This happens a lot when defendants say they’re not guilty and then decide to plead guilty.”

Ramirez’s lawyer, Darin Barber could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Judge Neal Bronson, who accepted Ramirez’s pleas and found him guilty, ordered a pre-sentence investigation. He did not set a sentencing date for Ramirez who faces up to eight years in prison on each charge.

Ramirez’s conviction stems from the injuries he caused to his then 32-day-old daughter. The infant was taken to Atrium Medical Center and later to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with a skull fracture, internal bleeding, swelling and bruising.

The prosecutor’s office said the infant’s injuries are still severe and it is unlikely she would ever fully recover.

Megan Ramirez was surprised to learn about her husband’s plea. Though he has yet to be sentenced, she said, “I hope my daughter gets justice. She deserves it.”

Megan Ramirez said her daughter, Isabell, “is doing absolutely wonderful and she’s getting better each day.

“She’s getting the best care possible,” she said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.

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