Inverness man sentenced to ten years in case of abused child found wandering

State Attorney's Office,
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

Citrus County, Florida - During the week ending February 16, 2024, 37 year-old Michael Wesley Comins, Jr., of Inverness, Florida. pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse, aggravated battery, and child neglect. He was sentenced to serve 10 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by an additional 6 year sentence . This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis.

"Every child deserves a champion, and that is especially true in cases like this," said State Attorney Bill Gladson. "Our office is thankful for the citizen who contacted law enforcement on this child's behalf. Child abuse shatters innocence, undermines trust, and robs children of their right to a safe and nurturing environment. Our office stands united against this abhorrent crime."

Comins was arrested by Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies, September 20, 2022, as a result of an investigation into allegations of abuse.

The previous night (September 19), a neighbor of Comins contacted the CCSO to report that a young child had knocked on their door, with bruising and swelling to the child's face. The child told deputies that he/she had gotten into trouble and had been slapped numerous times. The child was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainsville, Florida for treatment of injuries that included four jawbone fractures, a broken nose, and brain bleeding. The child also had bruising to the face and body.

Comins told officials that the child had been riding in the back of a pickup truck while he was driving on an umpaved road, a few days previously, and she'd struck some equipment that was in the bed of the truck.

Officials were later informed that Comins had sent a message to a witness that stated he'd blacked out, and the victim had injuries.

The medical team reported that the child's injuries were not consistent with Comins' explanation of them. Detectives determined that Comins had inflicted the injuries on the child.

On the day law enforcement officers checked on the child, Comins said he'd awakened about 3:00 pm, and the child was missing, that he hadn't reported her missing, but when he'd seen the first responders and law enforcement officers at a nearby home, he knew the victim was there, although he had not checked with them to make certain the child was there.