Child abuse charges dropped against Milton woman, boyfriend arrested for false report

State Attorney Bill Eddins announced Thursday that prosecutors have dropped charges in a case against a Milton woman arrested last month on suspicion of child abuse after her boyfriend admitted to making a false report to law enforcement.

Heidi Burchinal, 26, was arrested July 21 and charged with child abuse after her boyfriend, Shawn McDonald, told Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies that he saw her throw her three-month-old on the floor after saying, "I can't take it anymore."

When paramedics examined the baby that night, they could not find any injuries on the child, according to authorities.

"Additionally, the child was examined by the Child Protection Team and medical professional at Sacred Heart and there were no signs of abuse," according to recently filed court documents.

On July 31, McDonald, 33, of Milton, submitted an affidavit to the State Attorney’s Office stating he made a false report regarding allegations against his girlfriend.

He was subsequently charged with one count of filing a false police report.

McDonald was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Santa Rosa County with a $1,000 bond.

County records indicated he was released from custody later that same day.

Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks@pnj.com or 850-435-8680.