Thursday, December 24, 1998
Mom, boyfriend indicted in injuring of tot
By Malinda Ruble
Staff Writer
Two adults accused of causing head injuries to a 15-month-old have been indicted by the Seneca County grand jury.
Heather Prenzlin, 21, 575 E. Perry St., Apt. D-4, was indicted for child endangerment, a third-degree felony.
Prenzlin, who is Austin's mother, has been charged with ''recklessly creating a substantial risk to the health or safety of Austin by violating duty of care, protection or support.''
Joshua Gray, Prenzlin's boyfriend, was indicted with child endangerment, a second-degree felony. Gray, 19, Fremont, has been accused of ''recklessly torturing or cruely abusing Austin.''
Austin was taken to The Toledo Hospital earlier this month with head injuries reportedly sustained by hitting his head on a coffee table after being thrown.
Austin was released from the hospital Dec. 18. No one at the Seneca County Human Services Department was available to determine if Austin was placed in foster care or with relatives.
Prenzlin and Gray remain in the Seneca County Jail.
Prenzlin's charge carries 1-5 years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine. Gray's charge carries 2-8 years in jail and/or a $15,000 fine.
Arraignment dates have been set for 2:45 p.m. Jan. 5, 1999 for both.