Mardela Springs woman charged with child abuse of infant, toddler

MARDELA SPRINGS, Md. – A Wicomico County woman has been charged following an investigation into child abuse.

Earlier this week, the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center received a call from TidalHealth for a report of an unresponsive 10-month-old that required CPR on transport by EMS from the 8100 block of Baptist Church Road in Mardela Springs. It was learned that the infant was suffering from multiple skull fractures and brain bleeds and was ultimately flown from TidalHealth to Children’s Hospital in Washington D.C. for further treatment.

Child Advocacy Center detectives began investigating and spoke with the caregiver, identified as 45-year-old Nicole Bochenek. During the investigation, a 4-year-old was also found to have a contusion to his forehead. It was further determined that the infant’s extensive injuries and the 4-year-old were inflicted by Bochenek, their unlicensed caregiver.

Bochenek was arrested and charged with three counts of first degree child abuse: severe physical injury, first degree child abuse: ongoing course of conduct, first and second degree assault, and second degree child abuse. She was later released on house arrest over the State’s Attorney’s strong objection.

The 10-month-old remains in stable condition at Children’s Hospital in D.C. The 4-year-old did not require hospitalization.