SUNBURY - A 27-year-old Shamokin man charged with fracturing his two-month-old son's skull and ribs by slamming him into a car seat pleaded no contest earlier this month to misdemeanors of simple assault, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.
A felony offense of aggravated assault was not prosecuted under the plea agreement.
Lawrence Beaver Jr., of 229 W. Sunbury St., entered the no-contest plea Sept. 2 before Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest, who sentenced the defendant to serve 91 days to 23 months in the county prison and serve two years consecutive probation upon his release. Beaver, who was given credit for prison time previously served, also was ordered to pay fines totaling $350 plus costs.
Since Beaver was previously incarcerated in the county prison for a minimum of 91 days, he was released on Sept. 2.
By pleading no contest, Beaver is neither admitting nor denying guilt, but acknowledges that he could be convicted of the charges if the case went to trial.
Beaver was charged in May by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery and waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the charges in July before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.
Police reported Beaver is accused of slamming his two-month-old son into a car seat, causing the child to suffer a fractured skull, two fractured ribs, a brain injury and retinal hemorrhaging. Police said the offenses were committed between Jan. 29 and March 23 at Beaver's home.
Beaver was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Michael Romance. Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.