Sumter child scalded, man jailed

Sumter County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on Thursday for allegedly spraying a 3-year-old boy with scalding water, causing second- and third-degree burns, reportedly because the child made a bowel movement in his pants and inside the shower on Monday.

Steve Johnson, 24, was charged with unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person for spraying the child’s buttocks and legs with scalding water using a shower wand while in the 4600 block of Blanche Road.

According to the sheriff's office, the child screamed throughout the entire incident.

The child was first taken to Palmetto Health Tuomey before being transported to Augusta Burn Center for treatment.

Ken Bell, public information officer for the sheriff's office, said Johnson is the boyfriend of the child's babysitter.

He said Johnson's girlfriend agreed to live in the same house with the child and his mother rent free in exchange for caring for the boy. They were all friends, Bell said.

He said the incident occurred when Johnson was visiting the home.

Johnson faces a fine at the discretion of the court and a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted, he said.

Bell said Johnson is charged with unlawful neglect instead of child abuse because he is considered a caregiver for the child.

The penalties for both charges are essentially the same, he said.