An Ohio man has been indicted on two counts of child endangerment after authorities say he “recklessly physically restrained” a 2-year-old child with “special needs” before locking the child in a bedroom and leaving the house.
According to a news release from the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Joshua Merz, 35, has been indicted on two counts stemming from the April 8 incident.
According to the HCPO, Merz, who lives in the village of Cleves, allegedly left the child home alone in a bedroom for at least seven hours while working. The child was discovered by a “neighbour,” later identified as Merz’s father.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the home was discovered in “filthy and potentially dangerous” condition. According to the office, the charges are third-degree felony and first-degree misdemeanour.
The office alleged that Merz “restrained” the toddler in a “cruel manner or for a prolonged period, which restraint was excessive under the circumstances and created a substantial risk of serious physical harm.”
If convicted, he could spend up to three and a half years in prison.
“There is never a reason to leave a 2-year-old child at home alone,” Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to ensure that those who cannot speak for themselves are protected. And that is precisely what we will do in this case.
According to the HCSO’s website and Law & Crime, Merz was arrested on April 8 and taken to the Hamilton County Justice Centre before posting 10% of his $25,000 bail.
Merz’s father, Bruce Merz, told NBC affiliate WLWT that he was the one who called the police and told his son to turn himself in.
“This is heartbreaking. The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life, but it was the right thing to do. Josh knows it,” Bruce told the station. “He made a mistake, and we all have to live with it now.”
WLWT shared audio of Bruce’s 911 call, in which he reported a “child left alone in a house.” During the call, WLWT shared a clip in which a dispatcher stated that the child had previously been “found naked, locked in a bedroom by a friend.”
Bruce spoke with the station and encouraged others in need to seek help. “You aren’t alone. You’ve got to reach out. Ask those who adore you. “Don’t put it off,” he advised.
