Inquiry launched after foster child is 'severely injured'

CINCINNATI - Hamilton County Job and Family Services has launched an internal investigation into how a man who allegedly severely beat a foster child had access to the 2-year-old boy to begin with.

Anthony Walton, 34, is facing a felony assault charge filed by Cincinnati police after he allegedly beat a 2-year-old who was under the foster care of his girlfriend.

A 2-year-old was transported to Children's Hospital after he was allegedly beaten by a caregiver's boyfriend Tuesday. According to police, the child received severe head injuries at a residence on West McMicken Street in Over-the-Rhine.

Sources say the child was taken to Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries and it is not yet clear if Hamilton County Job and Family Services knew Walton had access to the child.

Walton, of Over-the-Rhine, was arrested after an interview with the Criminal Investigations Section. Police list his address on McMicken Avenue as where the alleged abuse took place.

Walton was charged with felonious assault and is being held on a $125,000 bond.