Couple arrested after alleged abuse of 3-year-old girl

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LEE COUNTY,Fla.- Inside a home on 8th Avenue in Pine Manor, investigators say a little girl went through horrible abuse.

Doctors reported the abuse when the 3-year-old was taken to a hospital for bruising and infections.

Investigators say they found feces on the bedroom floor and straps on the bed that could be used as arm and leg restraints.

Days later, detectives arrested her parents, Alfredo Baez-Marinez and Anay Baez. Neighbors tell WINK News they’re disturbed by the whole thing.

“I really don’t know what to think. I think it’s just disgusting,” said Mary Eilergson, a neighbor.

Julie Fortin, who calls herself a neighborhood watch dog, said she can’t believe it.

“To hear that people are restraining their 3-year-old kid,” said Fortin. “Three-year-old’s are adventurous. That’s when they start learning. I have a 6-year-old granddaughter and I couldn’t even think about something like that.”

A representative with the Department of Children and Families tells WINK News the girl was taken from her parents and is now living with other family members.

Meanwhile, the people who pride themselves on keeping an eye out for the kids in this neighborhood are upset this happened on their block.

“We do try to do what we do to protect these children,” Eilergson said, “and if we see one we think is being abused in any way, we do watch it or try to turn it in.”

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