Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced the arrest of Shelby Gardner (DOB: 07/18/82) of Robin Hood Road, Elgin charged with Aggravated Assault on a child.

On September 18, 2011 deputies responded to Providence Northeast Hospital to a report that a child arrived there with injuries consistent with abuse. Gardner had submerged her 7-year old daughter in hot water causing severe injuries to the child.

Sheriff Lott states that Gardner submerged the child for lying about whether or not she had taken a bath the night prior to this incident. Gardner questioned the child about taking a bath and about some sea shells. Gardner believed the child was lying and applied soap to the girls mouth. When she felt the child continued to lie, Gardner placed the victim in the tub, turned on the hot water and left the room. Gardner also again put soap in the victim’s mouth while she was crying in the hot water.

The victim was transported to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia due to the severity of her injuries. The child has been placed in the custody of the Department of Social Services and medical professionals.

Sheriff Lott adds that there’s no valid excuse or justification for this, our children should always be protected and those who violate the rights of our children must be held accountable.

Gardner was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.