"Toddler John Doe" - Accused: Kenneth Hast - Shawneetown (IL-KY Border) IL

A Southern Illinois man is behind bars in connection with a case of child abuse.

Authorities say a four-year-old boy was beaten and restrained with duct
tape by his stepfather, Kenneth Hast. The incident happened early Monday morning in
Gallatin County.

The Illinois State Police is handling the investigation; the alleged
abuse took place at a home in Shawneetown when Hast was watching the
child.

Investigators say Hast slammed the four-year-old's head against a desk
several times after he found the child sucking on his bottom lip. Police
allege Hast then went to his truck and got some duct tape and taped the
child's mouth shut and arms and legs together; when the boy's mother
returned home she took the child and left the house.

The child was taken to a Hamilton County Hospital for treatment and was released.

Hast could be facing numerous charges including domestic battery,
unlawful restraint, and aggravated battery of a child. He's being held
in the White County Jail.

The Gallatin County State's Attorney was not available for comment Friday.