FATHER CONVICTED FOR CHILD ABUSE

By STANLEY JORDAN

A Saratoga County Jury today found Connor Ash guilty of Assault in the Second Degree, in violation of Penal Law Section 120.05(9), a Class D violent felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of Penal Law Section 260.10(1) following a 12 day trial before Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy, III. The jury returned the verdict shortly before 4:00 pm this afternoon.

Ash was convicted of Assault in the Second Degree, for intentionally breaking the right femur bone of his 85 day old son at his residence in the Town of Halfmoon on January 1, 2015.

The trial began 3 weeks ago with jury selection, continued with more than 20 witnesses and over 40 items of evidence. The jury deliberated for portions of the last two days.

This case involved significant evidence from social media forums, with over 3,000 pages of Facebook messages- including many posts that reflected negative thoughts, emotions and comments about his 85 day old son. Additionally, the prosecution called several treating medical professionals who provided detailed descriptions regarding the significant injury suffered by the child and how the injury could and could not have occurred.

District Attorney Karen A. Heggen praised the thorough and complete investigation of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, who were alerted to the case when the child was brought to an urgent care facility following the injury. Heggen noted: “Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. David Huestis headed the investigation from the initial contact with the defendant, to the collection of evidence, as well as gathering all of medical information from the many treatment providers to assist our office with proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Connor Ash had intentionally broken his son’s leg. This was a true team effort of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department and my office.”

Assistant District Attorney Michele Schettino prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Alan M. Poremba. DA Heggen noted that “ADA Schettino demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and dedication to this case. She meticulously set forth a complete, clear picture for the jury as to what had happened to the victim, the defendant’s son. She addressed any possible question the jury might have through the testimony of the more than 20 witnesses, leaving no issue as to who was responsible for breaking the baby’s leg”.

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