By Shereen Siewert
ROTHSCHILD — A 22-year-old Rothschild man is facing felony child abuse charges after his son was treated for multiple serious injuries including a fractured jaw, heavy bruising, and a fractured suture on his skull.
In addition, scans showed the boy had at least three fractured ribs in various stages of healing when he was brought to the hospital, according to court documents.
Nicholas Fudala of Rothschild appeared Friday in Marathon County Circuit Court, where he faces a single felony charge of child abuse/intentionally causing great bodily harm.
According to court documents:
- Rothschild Police responded at 1:40 a.m. on Feb. 26 to Fudala’s home in the 100 block of Becker St. after Fudala called 911 to report his son was injured. Police say Fudala appeared distraught and told officers he dropped the baby boy on the floor while talking to his mother on the telephone. Fudala said he had called his mother for advice in calming the boy, who had been screaming. After dropping the boy, Fudala said he noticed blood coming out of the infant’s mouth and called 911.
- The infant was taken by ambulance to Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston before being transferred to Marshfield Medical Center. The attending physician in Marshfield told police he began to suspect child abuse based on the nature of the boy’s injuries.
- A report from the Child Advocacy Center, which included results from scans and other tests taken at the hospital, revealed that he child had additional injuries that indicated the child was likely a victim of “non-accidental trauma or child abuse.”
- Fudala was interviewed several times and changed his story on multiple occasions. Authorities ultimately determined the scenario Fudala described was impossible based on the way the child’s room was set up and the severity of the boy’s injuries.
Fudala on Friday was released on a $5,000 signature bond. He is due in court June 7 for a preliminary hearing. If he is convicted, Fudala faces up to 40 years in the Wisconsin Prison System.
