South Lake Tahoe woman jailed after allegedly hurting a special needs toddler

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An investigation into the abuse of a special needs toddler has landed a South Lake Tahoe woman in jail.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) was called to Barton Hospital on April 14 because the 18-month old had been brought in with a broken femur and bruising to the face and head. The child was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for more intensive medical care including surgery.

SLTPD detectives then initiated a child abuse investigation. During the course of their work they found the child's birth mother was in jail from a different case and El Dorado County Child Protective Services had been placed the toddler with its biological father prior to April 14.

Detectives believe the child’s father’s girlfriend was responsible for the child’s injuries.

38-year-old Amber Nicole Maxwell was arrested on May 21 and charged with felony Willful Cruelty to a Child Causing Great Bodily Injury. She is currently in custody at the El Dorado County Jail with bail set at $150,000.