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Man charged with felony assault for injury to toddler


Published: 11/22/2013

For More Information Contact:

Captain John Watterson 
(845) 486-3860

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Justin P. O’Dell, age 20 of Amenia, for assault in the 2nd degree in connection with an incident in which a 21 month old female child was injured.

On 11/21/13 at approximately 10:30 pm Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 58 Depot Hill Rd., in Amenia for a report of a young child that had been injured. The child was transported to Sharon Hospital in Connecticut with a facial injury and bruising on the body. Further investigation revealed that Mr. O’Dell is a family friend who had been at the house visiting with the mother, and at some point he became frustrated with the child’s crying and allegedly then struck her about the face and body with his hands. The child’s mother was in the residence at the time but not present for the assault, and illegal drug use by both the mother and Mr. O’Dell is thought to be a significant factor in the incident. The child was treated at Sharon Hospital for non-life threatening injuries and is now in the custody of CPS, who was notified and then immediately responded to the hospital to assist Sheriff’s Office Detectives.

Mr. O’Dell has been charged with assault 2nd degree, which is a Class D Felony, and after being processed he was arraigned at the Town of Amenia Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond. As in any criminal case the charges described above are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is continuing and more information may be released as it becomes available.