CLEARFIELD – A Morrisdale man pleaded guilty during special sentencing court Monday to striking a 2-year-old girl.
Ethan Jeremy Sperling, 23, was charged with aggravated assault after an incident in October in a residence in Graham Township.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the child’s mother reported that Sperling had text messaged her saying he had “smacked” her daughter’s behind because she had a bowel movement in the bathtub.
When she saw the girl, she had severe bruising and swelling in the areas where Sperling had struck her.
Troopers were also able to see the bruises on the back of her legs.
Sperling, who apologized to the mother in court Monday, was sentenced by Judge Paul Cherry to nine months to two years less one day in jail and two years consecutive probation.
In addition to his jail term, Sperling must complete anger management counseling and a parent nurturing program.
