Fresno County couple arrested for abusing 5-year-old girl, deputies say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno County sheriff's deputies have arrested a man and his girlfriend on charges of seriously injuring his 5-year-old daughter.

Investigators showed up to an apartment near Blackstone and Shaw Thursday to question Joshua Goff and Jenna Havlik about bruises Goff's daughter has all over her body.

"And after speaking with them, they made up some stories as to how this little girl got some bruising. It was at that time deputies figured out that they did in fact abuse the child they and arrested both of them," said Tony Botti, spokesman for the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives say the child had spent four days with Goff and Havlik, before she was returned to her mother and stepfather. They noticed the injuries and called deputies.

"She did have bruising on her body, on her head area. It was pretty significant, so these folks did some damage," said Botti.

Child abuse typically occurs more often during the holiday season. Dr. Margie Jessen of the Family Healing Center says therapists and forensic nurses are very busy.

"For some families, it's a time for violence and it's a very strenuous time," said Jessen. "And the thought is that it can cause a financial burden. You know there's a lot of people out of work right now. There can be burdens where maybe parents aren't together anymore."

Jessen works with law enforcement agencies to reach out to the youngest victims, offering therapy and medical exams -- right after the traumatic event occurs.

"We respond within 30 minutes to law enforcement calling us, day or night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," said Jessen.

Deputies say it appears the latest victim was hit by the suspects' hands and not any type of weapon or other object. Detectives are not saying what prompted the violence. The victim is now recovering at home in the care of her mother.

Goff and Havlik are in jail on child abuse charges.