Dad pleads guilty to breaking bones of 3-month-old son (Lafayette, Indiana)

Dad pleads guilty to breaking bones of 3-month-old son (Lafayette, Indiana)

Father pleads to injuring son

Lucas VanNote faces possible 20 year sentence

Updated: Tuesday, 16 Jun 2009, 4:56 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Jun 2009, 4:33 PM EDT

Sue Scott

LAFAYETTE, Ind (WLFI) - A former West Lafayette man pleaded guilty rather than face a jury.

21-year-old Lucas VanNote of Veedersburg admitted he intentionally injured his three-month-old son. He pleaded guilty on Monday to Neglect of a Dependent, Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Class B felony. His trial was scheduled to start Tuesday in Superior Court II.

VanNote was arrested after the boy's mother brought the child to the hospital to be treated for a swollen leg in April 2008. Prosecutor Pat Harrington said the baby was taken to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis where doctors told investigators the child had several fractures at various stages of healing in his legs and arms.

VanNote faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced in August for Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Harrington said VanNote was arrested about two weeks ago on charges of resisting arrest and trespassing. He is accused of trespassing at Country Villa Estates, where he once lived.