By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

ROCKWELL — A Rockwell father is accused of shaking his 8-week-old baby girl so hard he broke the baby’s arm, several ribs and leg. Rowan authorities charged the infant’s mother with knowing about the abuse and doing nothing.

Ronald Lee Rhinehardt, 33, and his wife, Angela Kay Moneymaker, 32, both of the 100 block of Fletcher Road, have each been charged with felony child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury.

Moneymaker is also known as Angela Rhinehardt.

Detectives with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to the alleged abuse on April 7 after they identified Rhinehardt and Moneymaker as possible suspects in a number of break-ins, said Capt. John Sifford.

During the course of the investigation detectives received information that Ronald Rhinehardt had shaken the baby and the mother knew it, but did not take the baby to receive medical care.

On April 12, detectives connected with social workers through the Rowan County Department of Social Services, who launched their own investigation. The baby was placed into the custody of a relative, who took the child to be examined.

A doctor determined the baby had multiple broken ribs, a fractured arm that had begun to heal and a broken leg. Rowan Social Services officials informed detectives on April 25 about the hospital’s findings. Investigators also looked at the baby’s medical records.

On April 30, detectives obtained a search warrant and spoke with Angela Moneymaker, who told them what happened. Investigators say another family member was a witness to the incident that led to the baby’s injuries. Detectives spoke with Ronald Rhinehardt on Sunday.

According to an arrest warrant for Moneymaker, she “unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did fail to provide medical care” for the baby after learning her husband had shaken the baby, “possibly causing injuries as there was blood coming from the baby’s mouth.”

The pair made a first court appearance this afternoon. Judge Charlie Brown informed them they could receive 88 months, or just over seven years, in prison, if convicted. The two are scheduled for a May 18 probable cause hearing.

Ronald Rhinehardt was appointed Landis attorney Rick Locklear and Angela Moneymaker was appointed attorney Tom King.

Both have pending breaking and entering, as well as larceny, and other related charges.

Ronald Rhinehardt has previously been convicted of felony breaking and entering, felony organized retail theft, obtaining property by false pretenses, possession of stolen goods, assault on a female and other misdemeanor offenses. He remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Moneymaker has been convicted of organized retail theft, as well as a number of counts of forgery and uttering forged papers. She remains in the Rowan County jail under a $20,000 secured bond.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.