Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces today that Marquis J. Young, 28, Lawrence, entered pleas to aggravated battery and abuse of a child on Monday, May 22, 2017, in the Division 5 courtroom of the Douglas County District Court.

Young was accused of battering an infant child and leaving the child in a trash dumpster near his apartment.  He was set to go to trial on June 12, 2017.   Young’s sentencing has been set for July 14, 2017 at 3:15 p.m.  During a preliminary hearing in January law enforcement officers testified that Young recalled engaging in an argument with the child’s mother and then the woman left the apartment they shared.   Young told investigators he did not have a memory of anything afterward or how the child got injured.  Neighbors found the child battered in a dumpster nearby.   The child was taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and later to Children’s Mercy.  The child has recovered from the injuries and has been placed with relatives. Young remains in jail awaiting sentencing.

Young’s sentence will depend on his criminal history.  However, the State believes he will receive a sentence in excess of 15 years.  As part of the plea agreement Young cannot appeal his sentence or conviction or seek a departure sentence from the court.

*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor