Dad charged with kicking, throwing 5-year-old son (Scott Air Force Base, Illinois)

Dad is identified as ROBERT BELANGER. No mention of the child's mother here.

INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Second-father-charged-with-child-abuse-on-Scott-Air-Force-Base-144113666.html

Second father charged with child abuse on Scott Air Force Base

Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:39 PM

Updated today at 4:01 PM

(KMOV) – Robert Belanger, 27, was charged Saturday for allegedly kicking and throwing his five-year-old son. He is the second man charged with child abuse on Scott Air Force Base property in as many days.

Investigators say Belanger’s son showed up Friday at Scott Elementary School with red marks on the chin and neck. A teacher asked him what had happened and the boy claimed his father picked him up by his neck, threw him and then kicked him when he was lying on the ground crying.

The boy said the incident took place Thursday evening.

A school nurse who examined the child noticed additional bruises on his back and shoulders. The school contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Scott Air Base law enforcement.

After a thorough interview, officers arrested Belanger.

Belanger worked for the United States Coast Guard in St. Louis before the arrest.

The St. Clair County State’s Attorney issued charges against Belanger Saturday for 1st degree aggravated battery and domestic battery. St. Clair County Judge Heinz Rudolph signed a warrant and set bond at $300,000.

In an unrelated incident, James P. Jennings was charged Friday for allegedly abusing his step-son on Scott Air Force Base property.