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SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs father has been arrested and accused of abusing his infant child.
Pupi Siilata, 27, was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of six counts of aggravated child abuse.
The investigation began Wednesday when a 1-month-old boy was taken to a hospital in Lehi for a cough. But the infant was soon transferred to the intensive care unit at Primary Children's Hospital for further treatment after it was discovered he had a fractured skull, arm and leg, according to a police booking affidavit.
"Medical staff also found healing fractures on the infant's right clavicle, left arm and right rear ribs," the affidavit states. "Medical professionals deemed the injuries to the child 'nonaccidental.'"
Detectives learned Siilata would take care of the infant at night, primarily when he started crying. Siilata then recounted several incidents of abuse, according to the affidavit.
On one occasion, he became frustrated with the infant while changing a diaper and "he said he applied a 'kimora' which is a Jujitsu/mixed martial art, grappling hold and twisted the infant's arm. He stated he heard a 'pop' in the infant's arm and the child was crying," the affidavit alleges.
On another occasion, he recounted how he squeezed the infant against his chest so hard "he could feel the clavicle of the child pressing into his body," according to the affidavit.
In another incident, "the child was crying and he used the palm of his hand to deliver a blow to the back of the infant's head," police say.
Investigators also noted in the affidavit that the Division of Child and Family Services has previously opened a case "against the father for physical abuse, where the father worked at a youth treatment center."
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
