MONROE - An Albany man was charged Monday with child abuse after he was accused of punching a teenager in the face in July.
Luke W. Phalin, 37, faces a Class H felony charge of child abuse and a Class B misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct after a verbal altercation with a 15-year-old boy became physical on July 30.
According to a police report, Phalin made a rude remark about the boy's mother while at a residence in the 400 block of Mineral Street in Albany. The boy countered with a rude remark of his own, which reportedly enraged Phalin.
Phalin shouted at the boy and shoved him into a wall before slapping him across the face. The slap reportedly also struck a nearby 16-year-old boy, knocking his glasses off.
Phalin then punched the 15-year-old boy twice in the face. One punch struck the boy's nose, while the other struck his eye, blackening it.
The boys were taken from the residence by family members shortly thereafter.
Phalin will appear in court for his initial appearance Sept. 12. The maximum possible sentence for a child abuse charge is three years in prison.
Luke W. Phalin, 37, faces a Class H felony charge of child abuse and a Class B misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct after a verbal altercation with a 15-year-old boy became physical on July 30.
According to a police report, Phalin made a rude remark about the boy's mother while at a residence in the 400 block of Mineral Street in Albany. The boy countered with a rude remark of his own, which reportedly enraged Phalin.
Phalin shouted at the boy and shoved him into a wall before slapping him across the face. The slap reportedly also struck a nearby 16-year-old boy, knocking his glasses off.
Phalin then punched the 15-year-old boy twice in the face. One punch struck the boy's nose, while the other struck his eye, blackening it.
The boys were taken from the residence by family members shortly thereafter.
Phalin will appear in court for his initial appearance Sept. 12. The maximum possible sentence for a child abuse charge is three years in prison.