Local man charged with child endangerment
A Marshalltown man was arrested on a warrant charging him with child endangerment-bodily injury, a Class D felony, as a result of injuries suffered by a 6-year-old.
Julius Martin Flute, 35, was arrested by Marshalltown police and taken to Marshall County Jail after an investigation by police, mandatory reporters from a local elementary school and Iowa Department of Human Services said Capt. Brian Batterson of the MPD. Staff checked the juvenile and determined the marks were inconsistent with a spanking. The juvenile told the investigating officer the injuries were caused when Flute struck him repeatedly with a back scratcher. The IDHS also investigated and determined the victim would be safe with his mother, since it was her understanding the victim had only been spanked by Flute and was not aware of other action. At Flute’s initial appearance Friday, a magistrate appointed him a public defender and ordered the defendant held on $5,000 cash/surety bond. Additionally the magistrate issued a no contact order against Flute, meaning he can not contact the victim. The defendant’s preliminary hearing is Jan. 28.