A disturbing case out of Polk County, Florida is drawing national outrage after authorities say a 5-year-old boy was violently attacked in what investigators are calling a hate crime.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Andre Brown Jr. of Davenport was arrested after deputies uncovered ongoing abuse involving three children in his care. The investigation began when a 9-year-old girl contacted her mother, saying she was afraid and that the man was severely beating a younger child in the home.
When deputies intervened, they found all three children showed signs of abuse, but the 5-year-old boy had suffered the most severe injuries. Authorities say he had extensive bruising across his body, a fractured wrist, and a contusion on his forehead.
Investigators say Brown admitted he specifically targeted the child because he believed the boy was gay. According to the arrest report, he told deputies he tried to “beat the gay out of him,” and when that wasn’t possible, he continued the abuse.
Deputies say the man also struck the other children with a belt during the incident. When officers attempted to take him into custody, he reportedly resisted arrest and continued yelling slurs.
Because of the motive described by investigators, the charge of aggravated child abuse has been enhanced as a hate crime — significantly increasing the potential penalties he faces.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the case as a “brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child,” emphasizing that there is no justification for the violence and that authorities will pursue justice.
The case has sparked broader concern about violence rooted in anti-LGBTQ bias, especially when it targets children. Florida law allows enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation, reflecting the seriousness of hate-based offenses.
As the investigation continues, the children involved are now safe, and authorities say efforts are underway to ensure they receive the care and protection they need.
