NASHVILLE – Andrew J. Garasich, a 29-year-old ex-soldier from Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to serve 12 years in federal prison for aggravated child neglect, according to Robert E. McGuire, the Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
‘The victim, a two-month-old infant, suffered horrifying neglect at the hands of Garasich and barely survived,’ McGuire stated. ‘Although the child now resides in a loving home, they will face lifelong challenges due to the defendant’s actions. This case underscores our commitment to prosecute those who harm children, ensuring long sentences for such heinous crimes.’
Joe Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office, emphasized the dedication of law enforcement to protect the most vulnerable. ‘There is no room in our community for child abusers, and we will stop at nothing to bring them to justice,’ he said.
John McCabe, Special Agent in Charge of the Army CID Midcentral Field Office, highlighted the collaborative efforts between military and federal agencies. ‘This sentencing demonstrates our unwavering dedication to justice for this young victim and sends a message that child abuse is unacceptable,’ McCabe commented.
The tragedy unfolded on December 30, 2022, when Garasich, then stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, severely burned his baby by submerging them in scalding water. The infant was left untreated for five days and finally taken to Houston County Community Hospital. Due to the severity of the burns, the child was life-flighted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they also discovered a skull fracture.
Garasich has no prior criminal convictions but had previously been involved with the Department of Children’s Services in 2019. Following his release from prison, he will be on supervised release for four years. His co-defendant, the child’s mother, is set to be sentenced on August 5, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Army CID and the FBI Nashville Field Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Morrison and Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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