Connellsville couple charged with near-fatal abuse of toddler
A Connellsville couple is facing charges for allegedly abusing their adopted toddler to the point where he nearly died.
Gregory Scott Richter Jr., 38, allegedly caused serious injuries to the boy during a car accident and Jessica M. Richter, 30, failed to immediately take him to the hospital, according to court paperwork. The boy is no longer in their care.
A doctor, who reported suspected abuse to Connellsville police, concluded the toddler was the victim of “egregious abuse” spanning at least several months, including physical abuse and starvation that nearly killed him.
According to court documents, Jessica Richter took the boy to the hospital July 23 where he was found to have internal injuries that appeared to be caused by a car accident. The boy required bowel surgery for tearing. He was 2 at the time.
Both parents initially denied any knowledge of a car accident or any incidents that could have caused his injuries. Gregory Richter contacted Connellsville Police, Aug. 24, and eventually reported he forgot to strap the boy into his car seat July 22. He said he slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting a deer, causing the toddler to slam into the center console.
He told investigators he was “preoccupied loading drywall into the truck and must have forgotten to secure his child into the booster seat,” according to the affidavit. He said the boy was falling asleep, and he “brake checked” the toddler several times to keep him awake so the child would sleep at night, police said. Gregory Richter also claimed he later slammed on his brakes because deer were in the road. Police said he reported the boy did not cry or appear injured. He further claimed he did not disclose the information over the previous month because he “did not think it was the cause” and only “remembered it” during an argument with his wife about the boy’s injuries.
Jessica Richter took the toddler to Highlands Hospital for vomiting, diarrhea and a large belly, according to court paperwork. Doctors found he was severely underweight and had bruising and scratches on his body. The child was transferred to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh after doctors discovered he had a stomach distention.
Before that day, Jessica Richter reportedly told police, the child was relatively healthy. She said he experienced behavioral issues such as self-harm, aggression and disordered sleeping and eating habits. In previous foster homes, he received physical therapy, occupational therapy and behavioral therapy. Those therapies were discontinued after the Richters adopted him in April. She reportedly told police the services were “becoming too much” for him.
The boy was born prematurely in a hotel room, according to court paperwork. He was in the care of the Richters for about one year.
The toddler was placed in the care of a new foster family after he was released from the hospital Aug. 3. Within less than two weeks, he had gained 2 pounds. His new foster mother reported to police he is generally eating and sleeping well. She has not observed self-harm or other behavioral issues. The foster mom told police he likes to sing, citing the kid version of “In my Feelings” by Drake as one of his favorites.
Gregory Richter is charged with a felony count of aggravated assault of a victim less than 6 and misdemeanor counts of simple assault of a person less than 12, recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of children. Jessica Richter is facing a felony count of endangering the welfare of children.
They were arraigned and released on $10,000 unsecured bonds. Gregory Richter is represented by private attorney Jack W. Connor. Jessica Richter is represented by private attorney Michael E. Waltman.