
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 14, 1995                   TAG: 9504140024
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: STAFFORD                                 LENGTH: Short

MARINE PLEADS GUILTY IN BEATING OF HIS WIFE'S 4-YEAR-OLD SON

A Marine lieutenant accused of striking his wife's 4-year-old son at least 10 times with a belt has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor child abuse charge.

Lt. Dennis James Hart, 28, entered the plea Wednesday as part of an agreement with Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Eric Olsen.

Under the agreement, Olsen told Circuit Judge James Haley he will not recommend Hart serve any time in jail. Hart is scheduled to be sentenced June 6 and could face a maximum of one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Hart beat his wife's son because the boy's preschool teacher sent a note home reporting he had discipline problems, Olsen said.

by CNB