An Augusta man who left bruises on his 5-year-old son’s face after the boy allegedly made a mess pleaded guilty to reduced child abuse charges Wednesday, June 8.
Parker Gupton, 36, who had no criminal history was sentenced to five years on probation under the First Offender Act. He pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to a single count of cruelty to children in the first degree.
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The abuse occurred when Gupton was home alone with his son and 2-year-old daughter Nov. 20, 2020, said Assistant District Attorney William Hammond. Gupton told the children’s mother the next day had had to discipline the children for making a mess.
The boy had bruises on his eyes and forehead while his sister had a scratch, Hammond said.
Judge Jesse Stone accepted the negotiated plea sentence of five years on probation. He added probation conditions that Gupton must take a family violence intervention class as well as a parenting class and sign up with the Child Support Recovery Unit. Stone also prohibited Gupton from have any violent contact with any of his four children as another condition of probation.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.Â
