A Hernando County detention deputy was arrested Friday night after a 3-year-old boy in his care was brought to a hospital with severe burns, authorities said.

Cody Marrone, 21, was charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect. He bonded out of jail Saturday.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to Spring Hill Regional Hospital around 4:30 p.m. Friday after the child was brought in with severe burns on several parts of his body, including his genital area.

The deputies determined that the burns were not accidental and called in detectives to investigate further.

Detectives interviewed Marrone, who initially said the child injured himself with a hairdryer. After being read his rights, though, Marrone admitted to using the hairdryer to burn the child as punishment for not allowing him to sleep, an arrest report said.



An initial news release from the sheriff's office did not specify the relationship between Marrone and the child. The agency promised to release additional information.