(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man is facing multiple felony charges following a child abuse investigation earlier this month.

 

Court records show 30-year-old Daniel Stevens has been charged with child molesting, a Level 1 felony, and domestic battery resulting in bodily injury, a Level 5 felony. The charges stem from allegations reported in November.

 

According to police, Michigan City officers were notified by the Department of Child Services on November 19th about a possible abuse case. That same day, investigators met with a DCS case manager and observed visible injuries on the child’s face.

 

The child was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, where medical staff discovered additional injuries. A pediatric specialist later determined the injuries were consistent with physical abuse and not accidental or self-inflicted.

 

During a forensic interview, police say the child identified Stevens as the person who caused the injuries and described multiple incidents.  Medical examinations also revealed bruising to the child’s head, eye, lower back, and genital area.