Probation sentence on abuse

TRENTON -- Hitchcock County Judge Bert Leffler complimented a Trenton man for caring about his daughter, but told him there is no justification for his means of discipline.

Leffler sentenced 39-year-old William Adams to one year of probation and ordered him to complete parenting classes, after finding Adams guilty of misdemeanor child abuse. Adams had pleaded guilty to the charge in January, and Leffler ordered a presentence investigation.

Hitchcock County Attorney D. Eugene Garner told the judge that Adams and his 13-year-old daughter had argued over her homework and he punished her with a belt, leaving marks on her leg and shin despite her wearing jeans, and on her wrist, which indicated a defensive position. The daughter lives now with her mother in Colorado.

Adams told Leffler he has raised his daughter by himself since she was 18 months old, and he has begged and pleaded and grounded her, with no success. "It's not like I wanted to beat the hell out of my kid," Adams said. "That's the last thing I wanted to do."

Leffler commended Adams for caring enough to discipline his child, but said there was no justification for "taking a belt and beating your daughter." He continued, "This society won't tolerate that conduct."

Leffler told Adams he knows that being a single parent is difficult, and ordered him to read "Dare to Discipline," by Dr. James Dobson. "Kids need discipline, and they need rules," Judge Leffler said. "But they also need love."

Leffler told Adams when discipline is imposed, it should never be when a parent is angry and never in public. "And you never, ever use a belt," the judge said.

He continued, "In the event (your daughter) is returned to your home, I want it to be a safe place for her."

Leffler reminded Adams, "A one-year jail sentence hangs over your head," pending appropriate conduct and successful completion of probation and parenting classes.

Leffler said placing Adams on probation allows him to continue to work and pay child support now to his daughter's mother.

Judge Leffler ordered a Culbertson man to pay for damages he caused to a house in Beverly after he confronted a man he accused of spreading rumors about him.

Judge Leffler told Philip Cruse Jr., "There is a remedy for everything that occurs, without taking the law into your own hands." The judge continued, "There is so excuse whatsoever for your conduct. You put these people in fear. There's no justification for that."

Cruse's attorney, Ryan Wilcox, told the judge there was no physical altercation and no threats, but that his client admits that 3:30 in the morning was an inappropriate time.

Leffler ordered Cruse to pay court costs and witness fees, and placed him on a six-month probation, during which time he must pay $400 for damage to the homeowner's door and door frame.