A Casper man is accused of attacking a child and trying to cover it up.

Ryan Townsend has pleaded not guilty to one felony count of child abuse and one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance.

Investigators with the Casper Police Department say in February 2016, they were informed by the Children's Advocacy Project, that the victim told them that he had his head slammed to the ground and was choked by Townsend, and had marks on his face and head to prove it.

The victim said on that night, Townsend had brought him home, and then later noticed that the dogs had gotten ahold of a dirty diaper.

Townsend then became angry, spanked the victim, threw him onto the floor, grabbed him by the back of the neck and slammed his head on the floor and started to choke him.

The victim says Townsend later apologized and told him to lie to his mother about what had happened.

When interviewed by police, Townsend first said he and the victim were rough-housing, but when he asked about the alleged assault, he denied it and asked for a lawyer.

Upon searching the residence, officers found marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia in the basement.

Townsend is free on $10,000 bond awaiting trial, and could face up to 10 years in prison on the child abuse charge, if convicted.

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