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Crime & Courts
Posted: Jun 20, 2025 2:07 PMUpdated: Jun 20, 2025 2:07 PM
Bartlesville Man Charged With Child Abuse
Brian McSweeney
A Bartlesville man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly providing improper care for a child.
28-year-old Matthew Lenard was charged on Friday with two counts of child abuse.
According to the Bartlesville Police Department, on March 9, officers responded to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa for an injured child. The victim allegedly had multiple bruises and scratches, and a left arm deformity. The child allegedly had fractures in the right arm, left leg and a right rib.
Lenard allegedly told authorities in an interview that the victim would fall out of his lap, and Lenard would catch the child with one hand. Lenard allegedly squeezed the cheeks of the child to force their mouth open and feed them, causing bruising on each cheek. Lenard was also allegedly seen picking up the child too quickly or not supporting the victim's head correctly.
According to the Bartlesville Police Department, on May 28, the victim was returned to Safe Haven Child Development Center, allegedly with bruising and purple marks on the victim's hands. Photographs allegedly showed marks on the victim's neck and jaw.
The victim was admitted to St. Francis on May 30. Doctors reportedly raised concerns regarding the child's weight, referred to as a, "failure to thrive."
Lenard will appear in court again on July 11 at 9 a.m. He posted a $50,000 bond.
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