Lyndsey T. Bustamante, a 29-year-old resident of Clarksville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 11 years and 4 months 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 reaffirms our steadfast commitment to protecting our children, the most vulnerable among us. Andrew Garasich and his wife, Lyndsey Bustamante, thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. Let this serve as a warning: if you harm children in any way, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you and ensure you face the full consequences of your actions.”
Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Midcentral Field Office added: “This sentencing marks another significant step towards justice for the victim in this horrific case. Army CID remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of our communities.”
According to court records, on December 30, 2022, Bustamante’s husband Andrew Garasich burned their two-month-old baby during a bath with excessively hot water while Bustamante was away from home with their older son. After being notified by Garasich about the incident that same day, neither parent sought medical care for several days.
FBI interviews revealed that Garasich noticed severe burns on the baby immediately after bathing him but did not seek help. He later admitted to removing peeling skin from the baby’s body before informing Bustamante upon her return home on December 31. In response, Bustamante attempted at-home treatments using over-the-counter remedies instead of seeking professional medical assistance.
Messages exchanged between Bustamante and her friends indicated she recognized the severity of her child’s injuries but delayed taking him to a hospital until January 4, 2023—five days after learning about the burns. When finally brought to Houston County Community Hospital ahead of a scheduled doctor’s visit at Fort Campbell’s Young Eagle Clinic, medical staff determined that immediate airlift to Vanderbilt University Medical Center was necessary due to extensive injuries.
Upon evaluation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, doctors identified partial- to full-thickness burns across multiple areas as well as a skull fracture. The infant remained hospitalized for nearly two months before being discharged into state custody along with his sibling.
After completing her prison term, Bustamante will be subject to four years of supervised release.
Andrew J. Garasich was previously sentenced on July 14, 2025, receiving a term of 14 years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
The investigation involved cooperation between the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and FBI Nashville Field Office (Clarksville Resident Agency). Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Morrison and Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire prosecuted the case.
