I am reaching out to bring attention to a serious and troubling case investigated by the Union City Police Department that raises significant concerns about prosecutorial decision-making and the protection of children in Randolph County.
In May of 2025, Union City police officers investigated a child neglect and abuse case involving a Union City, Indiana resident. During the investigation, officers discovered that a child less than 3 years old had sustained severe head trauma. The child was transported by medical helicopter to Dayton Children’s Hospital, where the child remained intubated for several days and required additional hospitalization to recover from the injuries.
Physicians at Dayton Children’s Hospital who specialize in child abuse cases determined that the injuries were not accidental and were caused by another person. As part of the investigation, officers interviewed the child’s father. During that interview, the father admitted that he became upset after the child vomited on freshly changed clothes. He stated that he took the child to change their clothes, forcefully placed the child onto a changing table, and struck the child’s head on the frame of the table. The father further admitted to forcefully pulling on the child’s leg, an admission consistent with the femur fracture identified during the medical evaluation. At no point did the father report the incident or seek medical care for the child on his own.
Based on the evidence, medical findings, and admissions made during the interview, investigators arrested the father under the direction of Randolph County Prosecutor David Daly on a Felony of the 1st Degree.
Despite the seriousness of the injuries and the strength of the investigation, no physicians from Dayton Children’s Hospital were contacted to testify, and none of the investigating officers were called to testify during the court proceedings. Instead, the Prosecutor’s Office entered into a plea agreement that reduced the charge from a Felony of the 1st Degree to a Felony of the 5th Degree. Additionally, the agreement included a diversion provision, meaning that if the father commits no further crimes until May of 2027, he will not technically be convicted of the offense.
This outcome raises a fundamental question: if the Prosecutor’s Office cannot stand up for children who suffer severe abuse, who will? This case involved life-threatening injuries to a small child, supported by medical experts and the offender’s own admissions. Allowing such a case to be resolved through a significantly reduced charge and diversion undermines public confidence in the justice system and sends a troubling message about accountability for child abuse.
At no point should the position of one parent, including a decision to side with the abusive party, determine whether justice is pursued on behalf of a child victim. Children do not have the ability to advocate for themselves, and the system is supposed to do that for them.
I believe this decision deserves public scrutiny. The community has a right to understand how and why a case of this magnitude was resolved in this manner, and whether current practices truly prioritize the safety and protection of children.
If you are interested in further details, documentation, or speaking directly with investigators involved in the case, we are willing to cooperate fully.
Respectfully,
Mark S. Ater Jr.
Director of Public Safety
Union City Police Department
mater@ucpolice.com
937-968-7744
765-964-5353
