Two men charged with child abuse
Two St. Paul men are due in court for abusing children they were entrusted with the care of.
Marcus Leon Mason, 29, is facing a felony charge for 'maliscious punishment of a child under the age of 4,' according to the Pioneer Press. Mason's girlfriend's 3-year-old son was taken to the hospital the day after he had baby-sat with welts across the boys back and buttocks, as well pinprick-sized bleeding in the eyes, a sign of smothering or strangling.
Mason originally said the welts were just from rough playing, but later admitted that he had stuck the child with a belt. Mason was arrested Wednesday night.
The second man, Jacob James Fredricks, 26, and his wife brought their 4-month-old son to the hospital on Feb. 16 with siezures. The mother said the boy hit his head on the computer table, while Fredricks said he hit his head on the kitchen table and in his crib. The doctors at the hospital told police that such bumps could not possibly cause the damage present in the infant.
Fredricks later admitted in a phone call that he had shaken the baby becasue he wouldn't stop crying, according to the Pioneer Press. Fredricks has not been arrested, but has been summoned to a court date on April 10.