SUMMIT COUNTY COURT NEWS: New York man sentenced to life for raping, abusing infant daughter in Springfield Twp.
BGNN staff report
AKRON Jason Santos, 38, of Stony Creek, New York, was sentenced to life in prison for raping and abusing his 11-month-old infant daughter while living at the Springfield Township Red Roof Inn, according to a news release from Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich’s office. Santos will be eligible for parole after 55 to 59 years. Santos’ co-defendant Jamilee Hunt, 38, of Hudson Falls, New York, is set for trial and faces similar charges, the news release states.
Santos has also been designated as a Tier III sex offender, which requires him to register every 90 days with the local sheriff for the rest of his life if he is released from prison.
Last week, Santos pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- One count of Rape of a Child Under 13 Years of Age – a 1st Degree Felony;
- Five counts of Felonious Assault – a 2nd Degree Felony;
- One count of Endangering Children by Torture or Cruel Abuse – a 2nd Degree Felony; and
- One count of Endangering Children by Creating Substantial Risk to Health or Safety of the Child – a 3rd Degree Felony.
“Jason Santos was supposed to be this child’s protector. Instead, he betrayed her in the most heinous and cruel way imaginable. I am grateful that she will receive the justice she deserves,” Kolkovich said in the news release. “The community that rallied around her, including the Springfield Township Police Department, Akron Children’s Hospital medical staff, and dedicated social workers, helped save this child’s life and are heroes.”
In November 2024, Springfield Township police officers responded to a call at the Red Roof Inn for an unresponsive 11-month-old infant. The child’s father, Jason Santos, and his girlfriend, Jamilee Hunt, claimed the infant had suddenly stopped breathing. While performing life-saving measures, officers observed extensive bruising and other visible signs of abuse. The infant, in critical condition, was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital, where doctors and social workers determined she had multiple rib fractures, fractures to her arms and legs, and significant bruising, injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided by Santos. Many of the fractures were in various stages of healing, indicating prolonged abuse. After being detained, Santos claimed the infant’s injuries were caused by his dog jumping on her, an explanation that differed from his initial statement and was inconsistent with medical findings. Further medical evaluation revealed the infant suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding resulting in hemorrhagic shock, and a broken clavicle. Doctors also discovered evidence consistent with rape and sexual assault, the release states.
