SHERBURNE – A man who is a part-time Hamilton Police officer and Colgate University safety officer has been placed on administrative leave over pending charges involving the alleged assault of a preschooler in the Village of Sherburne.
Anthony (Tony) E. Lawrence, 27, is charged with two misdemeanors – third degree assault and endangering the welfare of a minor – after State Troopers responded to a complaint involving the abuse of a young child at his residence.
Police have not identified the relationship Lawrence may have to the youth over concerns of protecting the alleged victim’s identity.
State Police Sgt. Elizabeth R. Wonka said the victim was a resident of the Sherburne area and that the alleged attack took place during a domestic dispute.
Wonka said the child was thrown and struck by Lawrence, causing cuts and bruises to the child’s face.
Lawrence has pleaded not guilty to both charges and is expected to appear back in Village of Sherburne court later in May.
“He works two jobs, he has served our country, he has sole custody, he is a good guy and did not beat this child,” said defense attorney Diane M. DiStefano.
“The biological mother of the alleged victim still lives out of state and my client has single-handedly raised the child. She also maintains her faith in his parenting skills and has opted to allow the child to remain in his custody,” added DiStefano.
The assistant district attorney handling the case, James P. Chamberlain, said alcohol was not a factor in the incident and that the defendant may have anger management issues.
“The matter is pending and we’re looking into it very seriously,” he said.
The Hamilton PD confirmed Wednesday that it had suspended Lawrence indefinitely.
Lawrence is a Sherburne-Earville High School graduate and a military veteran, serving in the United States Air Force Security Forces until 2005.