NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (by Jason M. Vaughn) — Authorities say that a man is in custody and faces child abuse charges after he allegedly twisted the nipples of a 2-year-old boy so hard they literally came off his body.

According to Bay News 9, 28-year-old Thomas Matheson was watching the child while the boy’s mother was at work. He allegedly told investigators that he had been playing rough with the boy, but was unaware that he had pulled the child’s nipples off until the child’s grandmother came home and called authorities.

The child was taken to a Florida hospital where he was treated for his injuries – but doctors say that it’s unlikely the nipples will grow back.

Matheson is being held at a Land O’ Lakes Florida jail without bail.

Click here for more on this story from Bay News 9.