KENNETT SQUARE, PA — A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with the suspected abuse of a toddler after an investigation that began earlier this year, according to police.
Paul Macatee IV, 22, of Northeast, Maryland, was arraigned Wednesday, April 29, following an investigation by the Kennett Square Police Department. The case remains pending a preliminary hearing.
According to police, the investigation began on February 10, when authorities received a report from ChildLine regarding suspected physical abuse of a 23-month-old child.
Police reported that a mandated reporter from the child’s school observed what appeared to be numerous burns on the child’s back and notified authorities.
With assistance from Chester County Children, Youth, and Families, the child was removed from the home and placed with a family member, investigators said.
Authorities stated the child was later evaluated at a medical facility, where numerous injuries were identified across the child’s body.
According to investigators, Macatee allegedly had exclusive custody of the child at the time the injuries occurred.
The incident is reported to have occurred in the 400 block of South Broad Street in Kennett Square.
Macatee has been charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, and multiple counts of aggravated assault involving a victim under the age of 13 and under the age of 6.
Police stated an arrest warrant was issued on April 29 under docket number MJ-15304-CR-0000093-2026.
Authorities remind the public that suspected child abuse or neglect should be reported immediately. Reports can be made nationwide through the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or in Pennsylvania through PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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