Andrew J. Garasich, a 29-year-old from Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for aggravated child neglect. The announcement was made by Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
“The victim in this case was a two-month-old child who was horribly neglected by the Defendant and barely survived,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “The child is now in a loving home but will face lifelong struggles because of the Defendant’s choices. This case shows that we will not hesitate to prosecute those who hurt children and, if they are convicted, we will seek long sentences in federal prison for them.”
Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office commented on the sentencing: “This sentencing is a result of the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children.” He added that there is no place for those who harm children and emphasized their dedication to finding and punishing offenders.
John McCabe, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Midcentral Field Office, highlighted inter-agency cooperation: “This case highlights the strong partnership between Army CID, the FBI, and the Department of Justice.” He noted that this sentencing reflects their dedication to justice for young victims.
Garasich served as a sergeant (E-5) in the United States Army stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On December 30, 2022, he severely burned his two-month-old baby by bathing him in excessively hot water. The baby did not receive medical attention until five days later when taken to Houston County Community Hospital. Due to severe injuries including burns and a skull fracture, medical personnel arranged for an emergency transfer to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Despite having no prior criminal convictions, Garasich had a previous case with the Department of Children’s Services involving another child in 2019. After serving his sentence, he will be on supervised release for four years.
Garasich's co-defendant and mother of the child is scheduled for sentencing on August 5, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Army - Criminal Investigation Division and FBI Nashville Field Office with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Morrison and Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire.
