ROCKWELL CITY — A Fort Dodge woman is behind bars facing multiple felony counts of child endangerment and wilful injury causing serious injury to her infant child.

Emma Ann Swanson, 22, was arrested last week by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, Swanson, who resided in Rockwell City at the time of the alleged crimes, failed to provide food and health care for her baby. The child was diagnosed with failure to thrive at the age of two months old, and was significantly underweight, according to medical professionals.

In an October 2024 interview with Rockwell City Police Chief Mike Anderson and a child protective worker from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Swanson admitted that she was aware that the baby was underweight, but did not address his nutritional needs despite having access to medical care.

According to an affidavit, Swanson observed the child experiencing a seizure in early July and recorded the episode on her cell phone, but did not seek medical attention. The baby later experienced severe seizures in October.

In September 2024, Swanson “used unreasonable force” against the baby causing bruising and swelling to his genitalia and delayed medical care resulting in bodily injuries, according to court records. When seen by medical professionals, doctors determined the bruising was caused by pinching or hitting. Swanson again delayed medical care, which caused the child’s condition to worsen.

According to the affidavit, on or about Oct. 2 or 3, 2024, Swanson “intentionally used unreasonable force, including shaking or striking” the child causing serious injuries including a left skull fracture, subdural hematomas, subarachnoid hemorrhages, retinal hemorrhages that caused severe damage to the right eye, and a stroke. She again delayed medical care to the child which exacerbated the child’s injuries.

Court documents state that Swanson was in Des Moines on Oct. 2 from 1:30 to 7 p.m. and left the child in the care of her boyfriend, Donovan Gibson. On Oct. 3, Gibson reportedly urged Swanson to seek medical attention for the child which she delayed until Oct. 4 when he was taken to the emergency room and transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

According to court records, on Oct. 23, 2024, medical professionals confirmed the child’s injuries were from non-accidental trauma occurring hours to days before Oct. 4, ruling out Swanson’s claims to law enforcement that a swing incident in which the child fell six-inches onto a carpeted floor were the cause.

During questioning by Rockwell City Police as well as DHHS, Swanson “appeared unfazed, blamed medical staff for malpractice, and posted on social media, suggesting a lack of accountability.”

In court documents, medical professionals and Anderson noted that Swanson’s actions and lack of concern for the child suggested specific intent to cause harm.

Swanson is currently being held in the Carroll County Jail on $35,000 bond. Swanson requested a bond review and will appear in Calhoun County Court at 3:30 p.m. Monday.