A 25-year-old Hutchinson man charged with a single count of abuse of a child entered a “guilty” plea as charged Thursday.
Cody Hazard is now convicted of causing severe bruising to the bottom of a 3-year-old boy on November 14, 2012. Police say it was caused by using excessive force when spanking the child.
Police got involved after they were notified by a daycare provider when the child was going to the bathroom and told them of what he called “ouchies” on his bottom.
Hazard was cooperative with police after the incident and will be sentenced on May 2, in front of Judge Tim Chambers. There was no agreement made with the state for him to enter a plea in the case, but both sides will be free to argue disposition at sentencing.
The charge is a level 5 person felony with a sentencing range of 31 to 136 months in prison, depending on his criminal history.