by Cincinnati, Ohio – A Butler County mother is facing serious allegations after investigators say she repeatedly brought her 2-year-old son to hospitals for medical issues he did not have. Prosecutors accuse Jennifer Parker, 43, of deliberately interfering with her child’s health, leading to more than 20 hospitalizations since his birth.
Prosecutors Detail Concerning Pattern of Hospital Visits
Parker appeared in court this week and pleaded not guilty to three counts of child endangerment. During the arraignment, Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Lindsay Sheehan outlined a troubling pattern of behavior that raised red flags for doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic.
According to Sheehan, the toddler’s numerous medical stays stopped immediately after authorities removed Parker’s children from her custody in May.
“Since birth, under Miss Parker’s care, this child, now 2, has been hospitalized over 20 times,” Sheehan told the court.
Investigators allege Parker may have tampered with feeding equipment, including cutting or clamping feeding lines, and provided insulin or glucose to a child who had no medical need for such substances. The prosecution also questioned whether the child’s feeding tube was ever medically necessary.
Hospitals Reported Possible Medical Abuse
Medical professionals reportedly shared detailed concerns about Parker’s conduct, suggesting she may have delayed or interfered with proper care even when her son showed the ability to eat normally.
Prosecutors said multiple specialists believed Parker resisted transitioning her child off tube feeding, despite signs he could consume food orally.
Concerns became serious enough that both hospitals alerted authorities, prompting the removal of all children from the home.
Parker Denies Allegations, Claims Targeting by Hospital Staff
Parker has pushed back publicly, including in a recent Facebook post where she argued that she was not alone in facing accusations from providers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She suggested that others had been similarly accused and believed they were being targeted unfairly.
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She wrote that she and another parent shared “the exact same inpatient team” and suggested a pattern of similar allegations.
Her fiancé, Michael Carpenter, also defended her, telling local reporters Parker is “a caring mother that wanted the best for her children.” Carpenter claimed their son had long-standing medical complications and said the couple struggled to find proper answers from doctors.
Removal of Children and Court Restrictions
Parker’s children were taken into protective custody earlier this year by Butler County Children Services. Since then, authorities say the 2-year-old boy at the center of the case has not required any hospital care and is reportedly “thriving.”
Following her arrest on Monday, Parker was booked into Butler County Jail on $50,000 bond. The court has ordered her to have no contact with her children during the proceedings.
Her next court date, a plea or trial setting, is scheduled for November 24.
What Comes Next
The case has drawn attention due to concerns of possible medical child abuse, often referred to as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in which a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child.
While Parker maintains her innocence, prosecutors argue that the evidence—including hospital reports, witness accounts, and the child’s sudden improvement—strongly suggests deliberate endangerment.
More information is expected to come to light as the case moves toward trial.
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