Greencastle man arrested for mistreatment of 3-year-old relative

Friday, December 20, 2013

Indiana State Police detectives from the Putnamville Post have arrested a Greencastle man at his home after a nearly month-long investigation into the mistreatment of a three-year-old family member.

Arrested at approximately 2 p.m. Thursday was Donald Leitner, 19, who is charged with battery resulting in bodily injury and neglect of a dependent, both Class D felonies.

Leitner appeared before Judge Denny Bridges Friday morning in Putnam Superior Court. The judge entered not-guilty pleas on the defendant's behalf and appointed Scott Adams as his public defender.

On the recommendation of Deputy Prosecutor James Ensley, Leitner was ordered held on $10,000 cash bond ($100,000 surety) at the Putnam County Jail.

A pretrial conference in the case was set for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 19.

In early November, the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post was contacted by the Putnam County Department of Child Services (DCS) requesting assistance with allegations of abuse involving a three-year-old boy.

During the ISP investigation, detectives uncovered information which led them to believe that on more than one occasion over the last few months, Leitner is alleged to have squeezed the genital area of the young boy in response to the youngster's numerous accidental urinations.

The victim sustained pain and bruising as a result and was medically treated and released.

The case was investigated by ISP Det. Brian Maudlin with assistance from ISP Det. First Sergeant Jeff Hearon and the Putnam County DCS.

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I just wonder if when he was 3yrs. old,was he violated like that. children have to be taught with patience and love and understanding.sounds like he's too lazy to change a diaper.this child is not old enough to be treated like this and I'm sure that this memory will stay with him for a long time. i'm backing up,no child should ever be treated like this.this world is confused about morals and getting worse.maybe a few years in jail,or i think the people ought to bring back the old chain gangs and this might cut a lot of this stupitidy out.we need to teach our kids that everyone makes mistakes,but we can learn from them.love your children with all you have and they will turn out as good adults,not perfect,but good people.

-- Posted by tmj4598 on Fri, Dec 20, 2013, at 5:24 AM
Wow, that's all I can say !

-- Posted by kcarnes on Fri, Dec 20, 2013, at 7:04 AM
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.

-- Posted by donantonioelsabio on Fri, Dec 20, 2013, at 7:55 AM
Another perfect example of how you can not trust ANYONE alone w/your children! Its sad, but come on people time to be suspicious of everyone, your children are worth "hurting someones feelings" I hope this boy gets therapy so he knows this is not how loving adults act!

-- Posted by truthis on Fri, Dec 20, 2013, at 9:16 AM

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