Louisiana parents arrested for cruelty to infant

The parents of a 7-month-old child were arrested this week on charges of second-degree cruelty to a minor, according to officials with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office's investigation began earlier this month when they were contacted by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services who told them the child was suffering from neglect.

Authorities said the child had been hospitalized since birth due to ongoing medical issues. When the child was released from the hospital, the sheriff's office said the parents were instructed to feed their child through a feeding tube.

Allegations were made that the father, Marcus J. Blue, 47, was seen by someone else giving the baby a bottle of formula. Department of Children and Family Services officials say the child appeared dehydrated.

The father and mother, Brittany Nero, 26, of Lake Charles, were given instructions on what to do with the child's feeding and breathing tube. They were given instructions on the proper way to care for the baby.

In addition to the improper feeding situation, investigators said they found the child had diaper rash so severe that there were bleeding sores on his skin.

The child was transported to another medical facility and the little girl is in the custody of DCFS.

The judge set bail at $500,000 for both parents. The mother, Nero, bonded.

Reminder from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office:

An arrest is an indication that there is probable cause to believe that the subject was involved in the alleged offense.

A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.