United Group Insurance

Western IA woman arrested after her infant was left w/abusive boyfriend

News

January 22nd, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Omaha World-Herald reports a Council Bluffs woman was arrested Wednesday night after being accused of neglecting her 6-month-old son. 19-year-old Kuira Lawton faces a felony suspicion of abandonment of a dependent person charge, after allegedly allowing her infant to be watched by the woman’s ex-boyfriend, 21-year old Rodney Weatherwax, who is known to allegedly have anger, drug and physical abuse issues.

According to the arrest affidavit, Lawton would often leave the infant with Weatherwax when she went to work or out with friends. Weatherwax was arrested Dec. 19th and later charged with child endangerment, abandonment of a dependent person and two counts of assault with intent to cause willful injury, all felonies. He remains in Pottawattamie County Jail with his bail set at $200,000.

According to court documents, the infant had at least 20 fractures, with some healing at different rates. The baby was born on July 26th. According to the arrest affidavit, the injuries allegedly took place between Sept. 1st and Nov. 30th. On Dec. 17th, Project Harmony officials collected a hair follicle from the victim and found both methamphetamine and marijuana in the then-4-month-old baby’s system.

Lawton, who is barred from being around the child by a no-contact order, remains at the Pottawattamie County Jail, with bail set at $10,000. She has requested a public defender. Her next court date will be a preliminary hearing on Feb. 11th.