Cherokee County mom jailed after docs discover alleged child abuse

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - A young Cherokee County mother is in jail and her child in protective custody after authorities discovered what they're calling a severe case of child abuse.

Officials say 19-year-old Jodi Rock took her 13-month-old son to the hospital last week where doctors discovered several broken bones and burns to his legs and private parts.

The fractures were in "varying stages of healing" that appeared to show a repeated history of abuse, according to an affidavit. The most recent injury, to the child's left shoulder, was described as "an obvious deformity that was impossible to not notice" in the affidavit.

Doctors estimate the injury occurred within eight to 12 hours prior to hospitalization.

Police say Rock admitted to burning the child with a flat iron. She told officers the fractures could have happened while she and her boyfriend played with the child.

Rock "alluded" to her boyfriend's involvement in the abuse, the document states. The teen mother made "inconsistent statements" and "contradicted herself" throughout discussions with police, it continues.

Rock was booked into jail where she's being held on $200,000 bond.

She has not been formally charged in the case.