Couple Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse


NEWS RELEASE 17-263 - DECEMBER 19, 2017
Gluschenko      Finnegan

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man and woman for charges related to child abuse after a two-month-old child sustained a severe head injury while in their care.

The investigation began December 12 when Ashley Finnegan, DOB 06/02/88, called 911 stating the baby was accidentally struck in the head with a cell phone by her boyfriend, George Gluschenko Jr., DOB 01/01/83. During interviews, Gluschenko told detectives he was unaware the baby was on the bed when he threw the phone. Based on the injuries sustained, the baby was transported to All Children’s Hospital and examined by a Child Protection Team doctor. After undergoing CT scans and surgery, doctors concluded the severe skull fractures and underlying hemorrhages were not consistent with the couples’ story, but were the result of physical abuse. Additionally, the false information given by Finnegan caused a delay in accurate treatment of the baby’s injuries.

Gluschenko is charged with Aggravated Child Abuse and Finnegan is charged with Aggravated Child Abuse: Accessory After the Fact and Neglect of a Child with Great Bodily Harm. Both are in the Sarasota County Jail without bond. The baby is still in the hospital undergoing treatment but is very responsive.