The New York woman will be eligible for parole after 55 years and was designated a Tier III sex offender.
AKRON, Ohio — A New York woman convicted of raping and abusing an 11-month-old girl at a Summit County motel was sentenced Monday to life in prison, closing another major stage of a case that began when first responders found the infant unresponsive in November 2024.
Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Joy Malek Oldfield sentenced Jamilee Hunt, 38, of Hudson Falls, New York, to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 55 years. Hunt was also designated a Tier III sex offender. If she is ever released, she will be required to register with the local sheriff every 90 days.
A Summit County jury found Hunt guilty in April of nine felony counts: one count of rape of a child under 13, five counts of felonious assault and three counts involving child endangerment. The verdict followed a case in which prosecutors presented evidence about extensive injuries discovered after emergency crews were called to a Red Roof Inn in Springfield Township.
The investigation began Nov. 22, 2024, when Springfield Township police officers and firefighters responded to the motel on South Arlington Road after a 911 call reported an unresponsive infant. First responders performed CPR and revived the child. Officers also saw extensive bruising and other signs of abuse while providing emergency care, according to prosecutors.
The girl was taken in critical condition to Akron Children’s Hospital. Medical providers documented numerous fractures, including injuries to her ribs, arms and legs, as well as a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Prosecutors said some fractures were in different stages of healing, evidence that the injuries had occurred over a period of time. Medical personnel also found evidence consistent with sexual assault.
Authorities said Hunt initially identified herself as “Nicole Abare.” Prosecutors said investigators later determined that was a false identity. Hunt and the child’s father, Jason Santos, also gave explanations for the infant’s injuries that authorities said were inconsistent with the medical findings. The couple was arrested, and a Summit County grand jury later returned felony indictments against both defendants.
Hunt’s sentencing came months after Santos, 38, of Stony Creek, New York, resolved his case. Santos, the child’s father, pleaded guilty in April to one count of rape of a child under 13, five counts of felonious assault and two counts of endangering children. He was sentenced to life in prison, with his first opportunity for parole after serving between 55 and 59 years, and was designated a Tier III sex offender.
Hunt took her case to trial. Jurors convicted her of all nine charges submitted in the case, including an additional child-endangering count. Her conviction and Monday’s sentence mean both adults prosecuted in connection with the infant’s abuse have now received life prison terms.
Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said after Hunt’s conviction that the child had survived and was continuing to heal with a new guardian. Following the sentencing, his office said the girl is alive, safe and living in a caring home. Authorities have not publicly identified the child, and her identity is being withheld because she is a minor and the victim of sexual abuse.
Hunt’s life sentence allows for the possibility of parole only after 55 years have been served. The sentence, along with Santos’ earlier life term, concludes the principal criminal proceedings against the two defendants stemming from the November 2024 investigation.
Author note: Last updated September 29, 2026.