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On Jan. 16, Kesean Wilmore appeared before the District Court of Pike County for an Aniah’s Law hearing and was denied bond by the judge in connection to charges brought against him for the rape of his infant daughter. 

The purpose of Aniah’s Law is to provide judges in Alabama with more authority to deny bail to individuals charged with some of the most serious crimes, including first degree rape. The 22-year-old Wilmore was arrested earlier this week by Troy Police Department and charged with first degree rape, first degree sodomy, incest and child abuse. All of these charges were in regards to allegations that Wilmore raped and abused his own 3-month-old daughter.

According to 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox, the state requested the hearing due to the nature of the offenses Wilmore is charged with. The District Attorney’s office detailed the graphic offenses that Wilmore is alleged to have committed to District Judge Steven Curtis. The injuries were so significant that the child was transferred to a pediatric surgeon in Gainesville, Fla., for further treatment. 

Judge Steven Curtis issued a detailed written order denying Wilmore’s bond.

According to the release from Tarbox, it is expected by doctors that the victim will suffer life-long side effects from the damage inflicted, allegedly by Wilmore. In addition to the injuries that led to the rape and sodomy charges, it was determined that the child had also suffered multiple broken ribs that were in the process of healing. Further investigation into those injuries led to an additional Child Abuse charge being brought against Wilmore. 

Tarbox issued a statement regarding the severity of the case.

“We deal with a lot of serious cases with victims who have been injured in any number of ways,” Tarbox said in a statement. “This case is probably the most upsetting and unsettling case that I’ve seen during my legal career to include a decade in criminal defense and now two years as District Attorney. 

“Seeing someone so innocent and wholly dependent on her parents hurt like this is infuriating. This case is absolutely vile and disgusting. While this case is far from over, I will sleep much better tonight knowing this Defendant is not out on our streets with the ability to victimize anyone else. Our office will work tirelessly to convict this Defendant and get justice in this matter.”