Category: Severe Infant Abuse / Criminal Abuse
Defendant:

Matthew Watts
Arrested in Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Investigating Agency:

Boyle County Sheriff’s Office
Grand Jury Action / Arrest Date:

December 19, 2025
Victim:

Infant, two weeks old at the time of the incident
Case Summary:

The Boyle County Sheriff’s Office presented evidence to a Boyle County grand jury, resulting in an indictment against Matthew Watts.
Authorities allege the abuse involved a newborn infant, only two weeks old, significantly heightening the severity of the case.
Watts was located in Harrodsburg and arrested, then booked into the Boyle County Detention Center.
Charges:

First-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12
Second-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12
Bond:

$100,000
Case Status:

Indicted; pending prosecution
 
Why This Case Matters to Jayden’s Law
Involves abuse of a newborn, among the most defenseless victims under Kentucky law.
Demonstrates the urgent need for:

Automatic violent-offender classification when infants suffer criminal abuse
Higher mandatory sentencing floors for abuse of children under one year of age
No probation or diversion in cases involving severe injury to infants
Permanent loss of custody and visitation rights upon conviction
Reinforces Jayden’s Law’s focus on early-life protection, recognizing that infant abuse often escalates quickly and can become fatal without strong intervention.