Wheeler man charged with child abuse causing bodily harm

By LeAnn R. Ralph

MENOMONIE   —  A 37-year-old Wheeler man has been accused of child abuse and recklessly causing harm.

Wayne A. Englin made an initial appearance in Dunn County Circuit Court June 13 before Judge James Peterson on one felony count of child abuse in connection with an incident at Pafko Park in Boyceville in May.

According to the criminal complaint, Boyceville Police Chief Greg Lamkin was advised May 8 of a possible child abuse victim at an emergency room for an incident that had occurred at Pafko Park.

Dunn County Deputy Matt Feeney told Police Chief Lamkin he was at the emergency room on a possible child abuse case involving a 12 year old child with cognitive disabilities.

Englin told investigators he had been roughhousing with the alleged victim, and Englin had hit his head.

Police Chief Lamkin observed two marks on the back of Englin’s head and a mark on the inside of his knee.

Englin told investigators he and the child began slapping at each other.

Deputy Feeney observed dark purple bruising on the child and that the child’s ears were bruised on the inner wall, behind the ear, and the ears were swollen.

A physician who had examined the child said the injuries were consistent with someone pulling hard on the child’s ears, and it was his opinion the injuries were not self-inflicted.

Deputy Feeney also noticed the child had a bruise on the small of the back and bruises on the arms that looked like fingerprints.

Englin was released from custody May 9 on a $1,000 signature bond.

One condition of the bail is that he is to have no contact with the child.

Englin is scheduled for another court appearance August 8.