KSP: Parents charged in malnourishment case

HINKLE, Ky (WTVQ) – The parents of a five-month baby in Knox County were arrested Tuesday after the child was found malnourished and with several rashes, according to State Police. Investigators say Knox County Social Services called authorities about a five-month child who only weighed 7-pounds.

Social Services told investigators that the baby had been taken to Baptist Health of Corbin by the mother and then sent to UK Hospital in Lexington for treatment. State Police say the mother was told to send the child to the hospital when she showed up at the Knox County Health Department to receive WIC benefits.

After investigating at the family’s home in the Hinkle community of Knox County, State Police arrested the child’s father, 24-year old Kenneth Hooker of Barbourville and the mother, 21-year old Jessica Hooker, of Hinkle. The couple was charged with Criminal Abuse 1st Degree and were lodged in the Knox County Detention Center, according to KSP.