A Casper man has admitted to abusing an infant.

Kirk Padilla has pleaded guilty to one charge of child abuse.

Investigators with the Casper Police Department say in April, Padilla told them he had been drinking and was preparing a bottle for the seven-month old baby, when he tripped backwards.

He was holding the baby at the time, and when the baby fell, he grabbed the baby by the leg and heard a sharp pop come from the hip area.

Later in the day Padilla said he saw swelling on the baby's leg and told the mother to take the baby to the hospital.

Wyoming Medical Center Staff told investigators that Padilla said he was the baby's father.

Police then talked to the mother who had said there was an on going pattern of physical abuse against her by Padilla.

She also mentioned about another incident where Padilla was looking after the infant, and allowed it to come into contact with the surface of a space heater.

Padilla is being held on $20,000 bond, and he could receive up to five years in prison at his sentencing, which will take place at a later date.

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