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Salem man sentenced for abusing infant son

LISBON — A special needs Salem man who caused physical harm to his 2-month-old child will spend an indefinite period at the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center as a part of his four years of community control.

Bryan L. Weingart, 29, Orchard Avenue, Salem, had previously pleaded guilty to endangering children. The charge came after Weingart grabbed the baby by the stomach/rib area and slamming him to the floor multiple times on Aug. 26, 2016. Assistant County Prosecutor Tammie Riley Jones said it appeared Weingart had become frustrated with the child and hit the child’s head off the floor multiple times. The baby had sustained skull and rib fractures.

Jones also said Weingart did not immediately tell the truth about what happened, making up a stories that the child’s head had bumped the wall when he was walking and holding the baby or that the injury happened when a child was playing with the baby. When confronted further, Weingart finally admitted to what happened.

Defense attorney Jennifer Gorby said the baby was transported to the hospital immediately and spent one and a half days at Akron Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the baby did not suffer any long-term health problems.

Gorby said she believes what happened was an isolated incident and added Weingart has watched his nieces and nephews without any problems. Weingart currently has no contact with his child, although he pays $50 per month in child support.

Several people appeared before Judge C. Ashley Pike on his behalf, including Weingart’s coaches and volunteers with Special Olympics, in which he has been a participant.

Doug Burdine of Columbiana, a Special Olympics coach and volunteer, said Weingart is one of the most level headed people involved, who never loses his temper win or lose. Another Special Olympics coach Andrew Geseman agreed, telling Pike Weingart is caring and always willing to help.

Joanne Potts, a teacher who worked in the Salem City Schools, said she has known Weingart since he was in the fourth grade and has seen him go through tough challenges, but not do anything like this before.

Jeannie Arnoto of Salem said she is a family friend and does not believe Weingart has a “mean bone in his body.” Arnoto described Weingart as a gentle bear, compassionate and caring. She said she has seen him interact well with his infant son in the past.

Barbara Loudon of Salem said she knew Weingart through Habitat for Humanity and although he was only a teenager when he got involved and could only do limited work, she said Weingart was “respectful, hard working and eager to please people.”

At sentencing, Pike said he realizes Weingart has some limitations, but he also wanted to send the message that the charge and what happened to the child are serious.

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