Honk News (Delaware County, IN) – An Indiana man, aged 29, is set to face significant prison time following an incident where he assaulted his girlfriend’s 1-year-old son after the toddler accidentally spilled water, threatening to treat the child like a “animal.”
In a swift decision, a jury in Delaware County reached a verdict in just 20 minutes on Tuesday, declaring Gregory E. Haendiges guilty of felony battery against a child under 14, as reported by authorities.
According to Indiana state law, a level six felony can lead to a sentence of up to 30 months in a state correctional facility, along with a potential fine of $10,000.
A recent announcement from the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office reveals that an incident occurred in late November 2021, involving a victim with autism who was nonverbal.
In a shocking turn of events during the trial, prosecutors revealed disturbing evidence to jurors, indicating that Haendiges allegedly “rubbed” his girlfriend’s 6-month-old child’s “nose and forehead into the carpet” at the very location where the toddler had “accidentally spilled water.” Prosecutors reported that the child sustained a “bloody wound” to his forehead as a result of the attack.
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“The evidence also indicated that at the time of the crime, Haendiges knew the young child was autistic and non-verbal,” prosecutors wrote in the release. “Nevertheless, Haendiges told the child, ‘[I]f you are going to act like an animal, I’ll treat you like one.”
Following the announcement of the verdict, Circuit Court No. 2’s Judge Andrew J. Ramirez directed that Haendiges be taken into custody at the Delaware County Jail. He is set to appear in court for his sentencing hearing on April 14.
After the proceedings, Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Hoffman commended his team for their dedication in securing the conviction of Haendiges.
“I am proud of Deputy Prosecutor Lexi Starost, Prosecutor’s Investigator Danielle Woodson and Muncie Police Detective Kristopher Swanson for their hard work and dedication in this case,” he said.
Documents examined by Law&Crime reveal that in October 2024, Haendiges entered into an agreement, pleading guilty to a single count of felony intimidation. In a surprising turn of events, Judge Kimberly Dowling rejected the deal.
“The Court, after having considered the evidence as presented, rejects said guilty plea and written plea agreement,” the online docket entry states. “The Defendant’s plea of guilty is hereby withdrawn.”