Unnamed Toddler Boy - 4 yo & 19 pounds - Reading PA

READING, Pa. -
Berks County detectives said they've arrested the
parents of a 4-year-old boy who was the size of a one-year-old boy. He
weighed just 19 and half pounds and based on the investigation he spent
his entire life in his bedroom.
The Berks County DA said it's something that should have never happened.
John
Adams said the boy basically lived on his back. His parents knew there
was something wrong and instead of taking him for help he became
severely malnourished and suffered.
"We found out through our investigation that this child
essentially lived in it's crib for about 4 years. Was rarely taken out
of the crib," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams.
Officials said Lindsay Coleman and Rick Postetter have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The
couple lived on West Green Street in Reading and had several children.
The DA said Berks County Children and Youth Services was given a tip in
July about the sick 4-year-old boy.
"There may be a child that is severely malnourished in this home," said Adams.
The
child was taken to Reading Hospital and was just 19 and half pounds.
Doctors said this was an incident of child abuse and medical neglect.
"If
you are not getting adequate nutrition and calories to grow, your
brain's not going to grow and you're not going to develop
normally," explained pediatrician Dr. Renee Riddle of Children's Health
Center.
Dr. Riddle is not involved in this case, but explained the average 4-year-old boy should weigh much more.
"Usually
in the 30 to 40 pound range," said Riddle "It would depend a lot on
what their weight was before, how tall they are about in that range
would be normal for that age."
Detectives investigated for months
before bringing charges and they told prosecutors the disturbing
details. Adams said this is a rare and extreme case of neglect.
"The
situation that we have here, the parents never took this child to a
pediatrician that we are aware of. Never took the child to the hospital
to receive the care that this child so much deserved," said Adams.
Adams
said the 4-year-old boy is in the care of foster parents and has gained
some weight. The child's brothers are okay and in the care of Children
and Youth Services.
If convicted, the parents could get seven years in jail.
http://www.wfmz.com/news/Boy-4-weighs-19-5-lbs-at-hospital-parents-facing-charges/-/121458/1682424/-/p7f78hz/-/