A mother and her boyfriend are behind bars in St. Martin Parish following an investigation involving the alleged abuse of a 1-year-old boy. 

Investigators say the 1-year-old boy is in stable condition after the child allegedly sustained severe injuries from his mother’s boyfriend. 

Tony Domingue, 43, of St. Martinville has been charged with one count of committing a hate crime, second degree cruelty to juveniles and aggravated second degree battery, all of which are felonies. 

Jorretta Carrere, 25, the alleged victim’s mother faces principal charges to each of Domingue’s felony charges.

“There have been a lot of questions about the hate crime. Unfortunately, because this involves a juvenile we can’t go into detail, but circumstances were present and evidence was there to be able to charge them with that crime,” said Major Ginny Higgins. “Tony’s bond was set at $200,000 and Jorretta‘s was set at $150,000.

According to state law, it is unlawful for any person to select a victim because of race, age, gender, color, creed and so on. 

The boy is in stable condition and remains in the hospital. “He is now under the umbrella of DCSF. Like I said we just got them yesterday so this is a very ongoing investigation,” says Higgins. 

Neither of the suspects have posted bond.