Jamilee Hunt, a 38-year-old woman from Hudson Falls, New York, has been found guilty of raping and abusing her boyfriend’s 11-month-old baby daughter while the child was in her care. Hunt, who was living at a Red Roof Inn in Springfield Township, Ohio, at the time, faces a life sentence for her horrific crimes.
The Details of the Crime
On November 2024, Springfield Township police responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant at the Red Roof Inn. Hunt, who had identified herself as Nicole Abare at the time, and her boyfriend, Jason Santos—the child’s father—claimed that the baby had suddenly stopped breathing.
However, while officers were performing lifesaving measures, they observed extensive bruising and signs of physical abuse on the infant.
The child, who was in critical condition, was rushed to Akron Children’s Hospital, where doctors and social workers discovered evidence of severe physical abuse.
The child had multiple rib fractures, fractures to her arms and legs, and significant bruising, all of which were inconsistent with the explanation provided by Hunt and Santos. The injuries indicated prolonged abuse, with fractures in various stages of healing.
Evidence of Further Abuse and Assault
As the investigation continued, it became clear that Hunt and Santos’ explanation—that the baby’s injuries were caused by their dog jumping on her—was a false and inconsistent claim.
Medical evaluations revealed that the baby had suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, and hemorrhagic shock. Further examination showed rape and s..xual assault consistent with the signs of abuse.
Authorities later uncovered that Nicole Abare was an alias, and the woman’s true identity was Jamilee Hunt. This led to her arrest and charges related to child rape and physical abuse. Santos, her boyfriend and co-defendant, had already pleaded guilty to similar charges the previous week, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
Charges and Conviction
Hunt was convicted by a Summit County jury on multiple felony charges, including:
- One count of rape of a child under 13
- Five counts of felonious assault
- One count of endangering children by torture or cruel abuse
- One count of endangering children by creating substantial risk to the health or safety of the child
- One count of endangering children
The charges stemmed from the November 2024 incident, where the abuse and assault of the 11-month-old infant came to light, leading to a full investigation.
Statements from the Prosecutor
Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich expressed his deep concerns about the nature of the crime. He criticized Hunt for failing as a caretaker, guardian, and protector, calling her actions a failure to safeguard the child.
In his statement, Kolkovich said, “I am disturbed by her crimes and inability to take responsibility for her role in the abuse and torture of this infant.”
Kolkovich also commended the child’s survival, noting that, despite the trauma, the infant is alive, safe, and continuing to heal under the care of a new guardian.
Sentencing and Legal Outcome
Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2024, and she faces a life sentence for her heinous crimes. Her co-defendant, Jason Santos, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to similar charges.
Santos is designated as a Tier III s..x offender and will be eligible for parole after 55 to 59 years. Kolkovich described Santos as having “betrayed his daughter in the most heinous and cruel way imaginable.”
Summary Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accused Name | Jamilee Hunt |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Location of Incident | Red Roof Inn, Springfield Township, Ohio |
| Victim’s Age | 11 months old |
| Victim’s Injuries | Rib fractures, fractures to arms and legs, traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, s..xual assault |
| Charges Against Hunt | Rape of a child under 13, felonious assault, child endangerment by torture, and cruel abuse |
| Co-Defendant | Jason Santos (father of the child) |
| Santos’ Sentence | Life in prison, parole eligibility after 55 to 59 years |
| Hunt’s Scheduled Sentencing | May 6, 2024 |
| Potential Sentence for Hunt | Life in prison |
| Prosecutor’s Statement | Criticized Hunt for failing as a caretaker and protecting the child |
The conviction of Jamilee Hunt for raping and abusing her boyfriend’s infant daughter is a horrifying example of child abuse. Hunt’s failure to care for and protect the child, along with her heinous crimes, has led to her facing a life sentence.
The baby’s survival and recovery, under the care of a new guardian, offers a glimmer of hope amidst this tragic case. The sentencing of Hunt and her co-defendant, Jason Santos, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children from abuse, and ensuring that those who commit such crimes are held accountable.
