Share and Follow
Ian Newlon (North Central Regional Jail via WBOY).
According to court documents from Ritchie County, Ian Newlon was taken into custody last week on charges of child neglect, which posed a significant risk of death or serious injury. The local NBC station, WBOY, reported on the criminal complaint linked to the incident, which took place in February when temperatures plummeted to 2 degrees.
West Virginia State Police became involved in the case when two individuals sought a protective order against Newlon. The suspect had left the toddler with them after some time, and they found the child in poor condition, with a soiled diaper and symptoms of vomiting and coughing. The child was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.
During their investigation, officers interviewed Newlon, who reportedly admitted to leaving the boy in the garage while he was busy with his truck. Although the garage had a wood stove for heat, it was inadequate given the garage’s size and the extreme cold outside, according to the police.
Investigators later spoke with Newlon, who allegedly said he was “working on his truck” and left the boy in the garage. The garage was heated with a wood stove, but it was not being “sufficiently” warmed because of its size and the temperature outside, cops said.
Cops arrested Newlon on Saturday and took him to the North Central Regional Jail.
He posted a $15,000 bond on Tuesday, jail records show. Newlon was appointed a public defender and has yet to enter a plea. His next court date was not listed.
The report did not indicate Newlon’s relation to the boy.
The child’s updated condition was not divulged in the criminal complaint.