Jacksonville man sentenced for kicking young daughter, breaking her leg

Following a bench trial held on September 25, 2025, the Court found Wardell guilty on December 1, 2025, of Reckless Conduct, in that he acted in a reckless manner and caused great bodily harm to his minor daughter by kicking her in the left thigh, resulting in a transverse fracture of her left femur.

 

The Court found Wardell not guilty of two counts of Aggravated Battery and one count of Aggravated Domestic Battery.

 

The Court imposed the maximum sentence permitted by law, to be served at 50% truth-in-sentencing. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff and will receive credit for time previously served in custody as required by law.

 

State’s Attorney Craig R. Miller said, “The Court’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the injury suffered by a young child and underscores the importance of accountability when a child is harmed. Sentencing decisions are made after careful consideration of the evidence, the law, and the circumstances of the case. The State recognizes that this case has generated strong emotions in the community. Those reactions reflect a shared concern for the safety and well-being of children. At the same time, our justice system is designed to address even the most difficult cases through a measured and lawful process, and today’s sentence is the result of that process. This sentence sends an important message that conduct resulting in serious harm to a child will be treated with the gravity it deserves, and that protecting children remains a central priority of this office."