MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Hastings man is charged with malicious punishment of a child after being accused of forcefully spanking his 21-month-old daughter.
According to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, 29-year-old Kenneth Andrew Keefer was watching his daughter during a weekend visit from Dec. 12 – 15, 2013.
After the girl’s mother picked her up on Dec. 15, she noticed bruises and marks on the girl’s buttocks while changing her diaper.
The mother took the baby to the hospital for an examination, and a doctor said the marks were consistent with abuse. On Dec. 16, the mother sought a second opinion with another doctor, who also stated that abuse was likely. However, the date that the injuries were inflicted and the manner of infliction could not be determined.
The baby’s mother claims the girl had no marks or bruises when she was dropped off to Keefer on Dec. 12, but another adult told police that the girl had a small bruise on her buttocks after leaving Keefer’s residence on Dec. 8.
Keefer is charged with a gross misdemeanor and has not been arrested. His court date has not yet been set.
He could face up to one year in prison if convicted.
