Florida Babysitter Put Toddler In Dryer, Spun Him Around: Deputies

LAKE COUNTY, FL — A Florida woman is accused of putting a 4-year-old toddler in a dryer filled with towels, closing the door and turning on the machine.

Amber Christine Chapman, 35, of Eustis has been charged with felony aggravated child abuse.

Deputies said Chapman babysat for the toddler often while his parents worked.

According to an arrest affidavit, on Feb. 1 during an emergency room visit to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, the toddler told medical staff that Chapman placed him in the dryer and spun him around.

A medical examination showed that the toddler suffered red marks, small abrasions and bruising on various parts of the toddler's body, including the forehead, ears, left hip and back area.

On Feb. 7, Lake County deputies said they conducted a recorded interview with the toddler at his home where he once again confirmed that Chapman placed him in a dryer and closed the door. The toddler told deputies he then "went round and round."

At one point during the incident, deputies said, the toddler said Chapman opened the door, closed it again and he "went round and round."

A medical report stated that the Child Protection Team was unable to determine if the dryer caused the injuries to the toddler.

"But the severity of the injuries and the locations of the injuries on the back, face, forehead and ears are consistent with being injured by the same," the arrest affidavit reads.

Chapman was released Saturday from the Lake County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

Her next court appearance is May 2.