SALT LAKE CITY — A 5-year-old boy is safe after being beaten with a rope thanks to an eyewitness who quickly alerted authorities, and officials said the man who was hurting the child is a registered sex offender.
Police officials said 39-year-old Jason Newton was violently whipping the child near 300 East 300 South in Salt Lake City Wednesday afternoon.
Officers responded to the witnesses’ report, arrested Newton and returned the boy to his mother. Newton is the mother’s boyfriend and a registered sex offender. Police said boy’s mother was not aware the man is a sex offender.
Veronica Montoya, Salt Lake City Police Department, said the child did not suffer serious injuries
“He had some red marks on his arms, neck area,” she said. “It didn’t say if medical had to be called out, so I think the child’s OK.”
Montoya said sometimes people are unsure of whether or not they should call to report suspected child abuse, but she said citizens should always call to alert authorities of the situation if they are concerned.
Newton faces charges of child abuse, criminal trespass, and for being in the presence of a child as a registered sex offender.
