Springfield police began their investigation on Nov. 1 when they were called to a home because a child was injured, according to an affidavit filed in support of the charges.
“Upon arrival, officers spoke with (a woman) who stated that her son had a suspicious injury and needed to go to the hospital for treatment,” the affidavit says.
Another woman, the child’s biological mother, said the child fell from a top bunk. The child was taken to the hospital for the injuries.
Later that day, Springfield police were contacted by children services due to the large bruise to the face, the neck and ear of the child, the affidavit says.
“It was suggested the child not be returned home and placed with someone until the case can be looked into,” the affidavit says.
On Nov. 4, law enforcement asked that the child be taken to Dayton Children’s Hospital to be examined and officials there had concerns from the bruising that was seen and the story that went with it and how the injuries didn’t match.
The concerns by the medical officials caused Springfield police to interview the adults around the child, the affidavit says.
“All parties agree that Michael was the only adult at home with the child victim at the time of the injury,” the affidavit says.
Joseph said the child got hurt during an accident.
“Michael stated that he was in the bathroom when he heard a scream and went into the bedroom to find the child hanging upside down, almost balancing on his thighs, about to make the four-plus footfall to the floor,” the affidavit says.
Investigators went into the bedroom with Joseph so he could explain exactly what happened, the affidavit says.
“Michael showed me with a toy exactly how he found him and based on that, I told Michael that if that is how you found him, then I would expect the bruising to be on the other side of the face,” the affidavit says. “He agreed, but said that was how he found him.”
Joseph denied striking the child or causing any harm.
A next court date in the case has not been set.
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