Lewistown man charged after police allege toddler assault

Affidavit says defendant admitted injuring child while trying to stop him from crying

LEWISTOWN -- A Lewistown man is facing felony charges after police allege he physically assaulted a 3-year-old child in his care, causing injuries that required hospitalization.

Hunter Austin Krepps, 23, was charged with two counts each of endangering the welfare of children and aggravated assault involving a victim younger than 6 years old. He was arraigned Aug. 7, bail was set at $100,000 and he was committed to the Mifflin County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19 before Magisterial District Judge Craig A. Weston.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Lewistown police responded to Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital on Aug. 6 after receiving a report of a toddler with injuries believed to be consistent with child abuse. Hospital staff reported the child had extensive bruising, including injuries beneath both sides of the jaw, bruising on the cheeks, blood inside one ear and a chipped front tooth. The child also was reportedly unable to close his mouth because of swelling and was transferred to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for specialized treatment.

Police said Krepps was the child's full-time caregiver while the child's mother worked overnight shifts. During an interview with investigators, Krepps initially blamed another person for the child's injuries before later admitting he caused them, according to the affidavit.

Investigators allege Krepps told police he became frustrated after the child awoke crying during the night. According to the affidavit, Krepps admitted grabbing the child by the face and underneath the jaw, squeezing hard enough to leave injuries, then carrying the child back to bed. He also allegedly admitted to a separate incident several nights earlier in which he picked the child up in a similar manner, leaving bruising on the child's cheeks.

The affidavit states Krepps told investigators he never intended to hurt the child but acknowledged causing the injuries after becoming overwhelmed and not properly handling the child's crying. Police also allege investigators found internet searches on Krepps' phone related to a toddler holding his mouth open and drooling.

Krepps remains incarcerated in the Mifflin County Correctional Facility pending his preliminary hearing.