Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Babysitter with criminal background charged with child endangerment; was chosen by child's father (Newark, New Jersey)

Moms are often criticized for their poor choices in boyfriend/babysitters. But notice that in this case, UNNAMED DAD chose to leave his 3-year-old son with a male babysitter who had a criminal history, including unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Not surprisingly, the child was physically abused, including extensive bruising and a broken wrist. The babysitter has now been charged with child endangerment. Not a word here on the father being charged, although it is very likely that a mother would be charged with neglect or endangering for leaving her child with a boyfriend like this guy while she went to work.

And speaking of the mother, where is the mom in all this? There is not one word about her in this article AT ALL. And I'm not able to find any other articles that shed more light on this. Is this a single dad? If so, how did he get custody?

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20100330/NEWS01/3300311

Newark man charged with child endangerment
BY JESSIE BALMERT • Advocate Reporter • March 30, 2010

NEWARK -- Bond was set at $100,000 for a Newark man who police say physically abused a 3-year-old child.

Tyler J. Roberts, 23, last known address 263 Union St., Apt. C, Newark, was charged with endangering children, a second-degree felony, after a doctor found bruising on the boy inconsistent with an accidental fall.

On March 19, Newark police were contacted about a 3-year-old boy who had substantial bruising to his face, back, chest and buttocks, as well as a broken wrist, according to the affidavit for his arrest.

The boy was left with Roberts while the child's father was at work. Roberts left the father a message that the boy had fallen on a coffee table, according to the affidavit.

When a relative picked up the child, she decided the injuries were serious enough to take the boy to the doctor for an examination, according to the affidavit.

The doctor determined the injuries were not caused by falling into a coffee table but by physical abuse, according to the affidavit.

Newark police interviewed Roberts, and he denied abuse. Roberts was scheduled for a stress test Friday, but he canceled the appointment Thursday, according to court records.

A warrant for his arrest was issued Friday, and he was arrested Saturday. Roberts remains in the Licking County Justice Center on the $100,000 bond set by Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool.

The case will be heard by a Licking County grand jury for possible indictment. Roberts' criminal history includes a conviction for complicity to commit burglary in 2006 and diversion for an unlawful sexual conduct with a minor charge in 2007.