Authorities Seek Cumberland Man Accused Of Physically Abusing Child

Darrel Keith Cooper, 37, of Glen Pine Drive, is facing one count of felony child abuse and inflicting serious injury.

Authorities said Cape Fear Valley Medical Center staff called the sheriff's office on June 16 after they discovered second-degree burns on the child and evidence of older injuries, including marks, abrasions and gouges.

The child's mother, LaTasha Washington, 29, also of Glen Pine Drivem, was charged with aiding and abetting felony child abuse and neglect.

Washington was taken to the Cumberland County Detention Center where she was released under a $1,500 unsecured bond. She will make her first court appearance Thursday.

Cooper has a prior criminal record that includes convictions of felony child abuse in two separate cases.

Anyone with information about Cooper's whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at

(910) 323-1500

.