SYRACUSE - After allegedly pouring scalding water on a 3-year-old child, a Syracuse man was arrested on charges of neglect of a dependent and aggravated battery.

Louis R. Graham, 31, of 201 E. Baltimore St., Syracuse, is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond. He was booked on the charges at 7:08 p.m. Thursday.

According to the Syracuse Police Department, police were contacted about 3:30 p.m. of a possible case of child abuse after the child was taken by his mother to Goshen General Hospital for treatment about four hours after the injuries occurred.

The boy suffered second-degree burns to his forehead, neck and back, according to the press release.

An interview with the child's mother and another man indicated the injuries were not the result of an accident. Graham, who reportedly is the boyfriend of the child's mother, allegedly lost his temper while bathing the child and poured scalding hot water on him.

The incident happened about 11:30 a.m. while the child's mother was at work and the boy was not taken for medical treatment until she returned home from work and saw the injuries.

Although he is not related to the child, the neglect of a dependent charge, a Class C felony, is applicable because Graham was charged with the child's care. The charge carries a term of two to eight years in prison. The battery offense is a Class B felony, punishable by six to 20 years in prison.

This case has been referred to the Kosciusko County Division of Family and Children Services. [[In-content Ad]]