Seneca Man arrested on Child Abuse Charges

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Seneca man Thursday evening for child abuse inflicting great bodily injury in regards to an investigation involving a two month old child. Booked into the Oconee County Detention Center was 34-year-old Nicolas James Underwood of Owens Road. A deputy responded to an address in the Seneca area and met with an employee of the Department of Social Services in regards to reports of possible child abuse after an examination by a doctor revealed injuries to the upper torso and head of the child. The child was admitted to the hospital for further examination and treatment and has not been released. The investigation was turned over to Sgt. Tim Rice, the child and elder abuse investigator from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation continued and evidence was gathered in the case, it was determined that the actions of Underwood caused the injuries to the child while the child was under his care. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation.