Custodial dad arrested for abusing 10-year-old son (Houma, Louisiana)

As is typical in these accounts, there is no explanation as to how or why dad NICHOLAS VERDIN had custody of this child, or what happened to the child's mother. It's as if she had never existed.

http://www.bayoubuzz.com/louisiana-news/new-orleans-news/item/511918-houma-man-arrested-for-abuse-of-his-10-year-old-son

Houma man arrested for abuse of his 10 year-old son

Tuesday, 30 July 2013 08:14

Houma, La. - The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office has arrested a Houma man for allegedly abusing his 10 year-old son, according to a police spokesman.

An officer was on patrol Tuesday morning in the area of Grand Caillou Road when he located a 10 year-old child walking along the highway.

The deputy encountered the child and questioned him about his destination. The boy told the officer that he was attempting to walk home to his residence in east Houma near the tunnel.

When the deputy arrived at the home, the woman there identified herself as the child's grandmother. The grandmother indicated that the child did not live with her and that he resided with his father on Grand Caillou Road.

After further investigation, the child disclosed that he has suffered abuse at the hands of his father while in his care. Obvious fresh and scarred cigarette burns were noted on the child's hands and feet. Massive scarring on the child's knees was also noted from the child being forced to kneel in rice while holding several pounds of textbooks for long periods of time.

The child was taken to the hospital. Medical staff treated his injuries and also noted that the child was severely malnourished.

The Department of Children and Family Services has custody of the boy.

The father, identified as 34 year-old Nicholas Verdin, was arrested and booked for one count of cruelty to a juvenile.