A 23-year-old Hutchinson man charge with a single count of abuse of child entered a no contest plea late Monday afternoon in front of Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen.

Lloyd Parker Jr., of 203 East A, Apt. B was arrested on a warrant for allegedly using a belt on a 3-year-old girl back January 15, 2009, this when he was 19. The state says the beating was done by Parker while the child’s mother was at work. He told her that he struck the child with the belt because she refused to take a nap. He told the mother “I lost it.” But, later told her he thought the child deserved it. The belt apparently caused severe bruising on various parts of the child’s body including her face.

A warrant was issued for Parker’s arrest back on April 12, after officials learned he was back in town.

After the plea was entered, Defense Attorney Sam Kepfield argued for an O-R bond citing the fact that the case is a border box case, meaning the judge has the option of granting some form of probation, or ordering any sentence to be served. The charge is a level 5 offense with a sentencing range of 31-to-136 months in prison depending on his criminal history. His attorney seemed to believe that he has no priors and is no threat to the community.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder argued to the judge that the original bond was 40-thousand dollars, and was lowered over their objection to 20-thousand. He says he believed the current bond is more then reasonable. Schroeder cited that fact that the defendant left the state for a time, which is why there was the delay in this case proceeding. Judge McEwen denied the bond request agreeing with the state and told the defense, he may not be a threat to the community, but could be to children he might come in contact with. That means that Parker will stay jailed until sentencing before Judge Tim Chambers on August 17, unless he post the 20-thousand dollar bond.

The two sides will be able to argue over whether he should be granted probation, or sent to prison. That will be decided by Judge Chambers.

You may recall that Parker had reported that a black male had discharge a firearm at him while he was leaving his residence on Avenue A. That was back on March 23. No arrest have ever been made from that incident.