Ryan Townsend Charged With Child Abuse

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

Twenty-eight year old Ryan Townsend has been charged with one count of child abuse and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Investigators with the Casper Police Department say earlier this week, 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 Tuesday, February 9th, Townsend had brought them 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.

The victim has been placed with the Department of Family Services.

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