Feleicia Chanta Marie Gordon appeared for sentencing before Judge Tom Stockard in the Tenth Judicial District Court on Tuesday, March 17. Gordon previously entered a guilty plea on a charge of Attempt to Commit Abuse Neglect or Endangerment of a Child Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Category B Felony with a potential penalty of 2-20 years in prison. According to Assistant District Attorney Jeffery Weed, the case began when the victim’s mother received a call from Gordon stating that the 20-month old child in the care of Gordon was crying, and Gordon didn’t know why. When the mother arrived, Gordon said that she thought the child fell in the tub, stating that she was watching multiple children and had started a bath to clean the them. She found the child clinging to the edge of the tub with his face scalded by water. The investigation found that the explanation Gordon provided was not possible for the injury received. There was a burn pattern on the child’s skin that was indicative of a washcloth held to the face. Gordon later changed her story, stating that she may have spayed him with the nozzle at the faucet. The mother said that the defendant later admitted to holding a rag to the child’s face. ADA Weed argued for Gordon’s prison time, even though she does not have an extensive criminal history, noting that the victim in the case was a 20-month-old child who could not speak for himself. David Neidert Esq., defense counsel for Gordon, stated that his client’s psychological evaluation concluded that she was at a low risk to re-offend. Gordon was apologetic, knew that she had done wrong, took responsibility for her actions, and holds no ill will toward anyone associated with the case. Gordon addressed the court and apologized for her actions and for causing injury to this child. Judge Stockard sentenced her to a further psychological risk assessment, 24-60 months in prison suspended, probation not to exceed 36 months, and 150 hours of community service to be served at no less than 10 hours a month.
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