Trial ordered in abuse case

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Dec 20, 2008 by Ann Marie Bush

By Ann Marie Bush

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Former Kansas State University football player Leon Patton was bound over for trial Friday on a charge of child abuse involving his infant son.

Patton, who is free on $30,000 bond, was arrested Sept. 19. A three-day preliminary hearing ended Friday with Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson and chief public defender Larry McRell making closing arguments.

"We're continuing to look at this case," Wilkerson said. "We're continuing to investigate it for other possibilities as well."

Wilkerson said he couldn't elaborate on those possibilities.

District Magistrate Judge William Malcolm presided over the preliminary hearing.

Patton will be arraigned Jan. 26, at which time a trial date could be set.

The charge stems from a July 15 incident at Patton's Manhattan residence, where Riley County police responded to a 911 call in reference to a child not breathing.

An arrest warrant indicated Patton "unlawfully and feloniously and intentionally shook" the infant. The child was identified as Patton's 2-month-old son.

Witnesses at the preliminary hearing testified the child suffered a severe brain injury.

The child abuse charge is a level 5 person felony.

If convicted, Patton could be sentenced to 31 months in prison, with possible probation.

Patton, 20, of Dallas, was suspended indefinitely from the football team after his arrest in July on outstanding warrants for misdemeanor theft and failure to appear.

Former Kansas State coach Ron Prince announced in September the junior running back wouldn't return to the Wildcat football program because of the latest criminal case.

Ann Marie Bush can be reached at (785) 295-1207

or ann.bush@cjonline.com.