Dad accused of aggravated battery for abuse of 4-month-old son (Woodstock, Illiniois)

Why we need paid maternity leaves in this country...

Dad is identified as CODY A. PENNINGTON.

http://www.nwherald.com/2015/05/22/woodstock-father-denies-allegations-in-shaken-baby-case/a1o49ez/

Woodstock father denies allegations in shaken baby case

 Published: Friday, May 22, 2015 1:03 p.m. CDT
• Updated: Friday, May 22, 2015 11:11 p.m. CDT

By CHELSEA McDOUGALL

WOODSTOCK – The Woodstock man accused in a shaken baby case has denied all allegations that he injured the 4-month-old child.

Cody A. Pennington, 20, is awaiting trial on six counts of aggravated battery. The most serious charge against him carries a possible sentenced range of between six and 30 years in prison.

On Friday, Pennington pleaded not guilty to all charges before McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather.

Police allege the Pennington shook the baby so violently, it fractured the boy's skull and caused hemorrhaging in the child's brain. Assistant State's Attorney Sharyl Eisenstein wouldn't comment on the baby's medical status after court.

Woodstock police said at the time of Pennington's April arrest that he had called police to report that his infant son was in distress, having trouble breathing, and crying uncontrollably.

The boy is Pennington's only child. He was the child’s caretaker and the mother was at work during the alleged incident, police have said.

Pennington is being held at McHenry County Jail on $250,000 bond.

His attorney, Assistant Public Defender Angelo Mourelatos asked that Pennington be evaluated for pretrial release before his next court date on June 5.