Update: Man Sentenced 2-4 Years for Burning Infant With Cigarette

By: David Jespersen - Email

Updated: Thu 6:19 AM, Feb 07, 2013

A Lincoln man is sentenced 2-4 years after burning a 16-month-old repeatedly with a cigarette.

LaDaryl Lathan and his lawyer asked for probation, but the judge couldn't grant probation because it would demise the seriousness of the case.

Lathan is 23 years old and has very little criminal history. He has a GED and some college credit with the goal of continuing his education. He has spent 184 days in jail. He gave no explanation for his actions, and apologized in court to the victims and his family.

His family declined to comment.

Officer Katie Flood says the girl was left in the care of LaDaryl Lathan on July 30th. Four hours later, the mother returned to find her daughter with multiple burns on her lip, arm and leg.

Flood said the mother took the child to the hospital on July 31 and the doctor found bruising to the child's chest and fractures to both wrists.

The girl was placed in protective custody and is staying with other family members.

Lathan, the mother's boyfriend, was arrested Friday for felony child abuse. Police believe Lathan burned the child with a lit cigarette while under the influence of K2.

Lathan was charged Monday afternoon with felony child abuse and could face up to 50 years in prison. His next court appearance is September 4th.

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