Warren County man who broke baby’s bones sentenced to 22 years in prison

WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Following a trial late last year, a Middle Tennessee man who reportedly beat an infant several times, causing multiple broken bones, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

The trial began in November 2023 after Joshua Maranta was charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse of a child under 8 years of age. The trial lasted for two days before a Warren County jury found Maranta guilty of all counts.

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In a statement on Thursday, March 28, Chris Stanford, District Attorney General for the 31st Judicial District, said the proof presented at the trial established that Maranta broke 10 bones throughout the baby’s body during the first eight months of the infant’s life.

Joshua Maranta (Courtesy: District Attorney General, 31st Judicial District)
Joshua Maranta (Courtesy: District Attorney General, 31st Judicial District)

There were six specific occasions where prosecutors said Maranta physically abused the victim. Stanford said the state was able to prove the abuse through a combination of extensive factual and medical evidence.

During a full sentencing hearing on Feb. 14, the State recommended a total effective sentence of 75 years. However, Maranta’s defense lawyer argued that he should only be required to serve the minimum sentence of 15 years.

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Then, on Wednesday, March 27, Circuit Judge Larry Stanley Jr. issued his final ruling and sentenced Maranta to serve 22 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In his statement, Stanford said his office will continue to “seek convictions of lengthy sentences for any violent criminal that preys on our community’s most vulnerable victims.”

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