Boy's Buttocks Burned with Blowtorch

Some people should never become parents. One such person is Gerald T. Hall, 36, of Clare, Mi., who is charged along with his brother Glen Leslee Hall, 43, with first-degree child abuse.

The two brothers are accused of burning a 6-year-old boy's buttocks with a propane blowtorch on at least one occasion. The boy is Gerald Hall's son. Both brothers were arraigned in Clare County's 80th District Court by Magistrate Rick Laboda on Wednesday (4/22/09).  Bail was set at $150,000 each. They are due back in court on May 5th.

"They said they were disciplining the child for making a mess in his pants," state police Sgt. Del Putnam said.

When the boy's mother discovered what had happened she took him to hospital where the staff called the police. Police say the men took the boy to a shed and took turns burning the child on the buttocks and anus, causing the severe burns. The men also removed the boy's clothing and burned them as well.

This incident happen last October and after investigating, the police got warrants issued for the two men, based on the one specific incident. However, police believe that the blowtorch was the “main act of discipline used” on the boy. Gerald Hall was arrested Tuesday and Glen Hall was arrested Wednesday where he works at a construction site.

The charge of first-degree child abuse carries a 15-year felony sentence, but Glen Hall, the boy's uncle is no stranger to the law and may be charged as an habitual offender. According to Clare County Prosecutor Michelle Ambrozaitis, he could be sentenced to one and a half times the maximum if convicted.

Glen Hall is on parole after serving time in prison for a drunken driving causing serious injury conviction in 2003 in Isabella County. He also was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon in Clare County in 2008.

The boy suffered second- and third-degree burns in the attack. He has recovered physically and is currently in protective custody, Sgt. Putnam said.