TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Pinellas County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested and charged a Tarpon Springs man with aggravated child abuse after he admitted to biting his girlfriend's children to such an extent that the bites left scarring.

  • Rashawn Davis, 29, charged with aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm
  • Children's mother charged with child neglect
  • Children removed from home earlier this year

The agency said their investigation into Rashawn Davis, 29, and Andrea Fulton, 25, began in August. Davis and Fulton had four children living with them at the time, and the children were removed from the home on August 20 due to "domestic related issues" with Davis.

The children range in age from six to one year old. Davis is the father of the one-year-old child.

Detectives said after the children were out of the home, medical personnel examining them found multiple bite marks and long linear scars on two of them.

Specifically, the 2-year-old had over 35 laceration marks and eight circular bite marks on his back, buttocks and facial cheek, according to detectives. The 3-year-old was found to have one circular bite mark on his buttock.

During their investigation, detectives took dental impressions of Davis and Fulton. A forensic odonatologist examined the impressions and excluded Fulton, but not Davis. Forensics also eliminated the possibility that the bite marks were accidental in nature.

Detectives interviewed both Davis and Fulton on Thursday. Davis reportedly admitted to biting the 2-year-old multiple times out of frustration. 

Fulton, in addition, admitted to knowing about the bite marks but not seeking medical attention for her child.

Both Davis and Fulton were arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. Davis was charged with Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm. 

Fulton, on the other hand, faces a charge of Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm. 

Three of the children were placed in foster care when they were removed from the home in August. The fourth child was placed with a family member.