Babysitting boyfriend pleads guilty to abusing 5-year-old (Attalla, Alabama)

Babysitting boyfriend MICHAEL DEWAYNE JACKSON has pleaded guilty to abusing his girlfriend's five-year-old son. Jackson was on parole for child abuse and first degree domestic violence in another county. (We really need affordable, quality daycare in this country....)

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20090624/NEWS/906249986/1017/NEWS?Title=Attalla-man-pleads-guilty-to-child-abuse

Attalla man pleads guilty to child abuse

Times Staff Reports
Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 9:07 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.

An Attalla man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of child abuse, a news release from the Etowah County District Attorney’s Office stated.

Michael Dewayne Jackson, 29, Holly Street, Attalla, pleaded "blind," or without any plea agreements from the state, Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp said in the release.
The charge arose from an incident that occurred while Jackson was babysitting his girlfriend’s 5-year-old son. The child later reported injuries to another babysitter, who notified the child’s mother.

"Assistant District Attorney Carol Griffith was ready for trial in this case in order for the court to hear the facts," Harp said in the release. "We have maintained all along that a substantial prison sentence is due in this case, and (Jackson’s) plea before trial has not changed our position. Physical abuse of children should not be tolerated in any form."When charges were brought, Jackson was on parole from charges of child abuse and first-degree domestic violence from DeKalb County. He also has previous felony convictions for drug possession and first-degree assault.

A sentencing hearing will be set before Etowah County Circuit Judge Clark Hall. Jackson faces a sentence of 15 years to 99 years or life imprisonment for the charge.