EASTON MAN CONVICTED OF CHILD ABUSE

Easton, MD - An Easton, Maryland, man, identified as Earl Andrew Kautz, has been found guilty and convicted on charges of first-degree child abuse and related offenses following a three-day trial that concluded on March 28, 2024. 

The prosecution in the case against Kautz was led by Talbot County State's Attorney Joseph L. Coale and Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Wilson.

The chilling allegations claimed that Kautz had severely abused a one-year-old boy and assaulted a thirteen-year-old girl, both of whom lived with him. 

The trial saw the young girl and her mother bear witness to the harrowing experiences, supported by damning medical evidence provided by the Medical Director of Pediatric Urgent Care Services at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Honorable Judge Broughton M. Earnest, after a meticulous examination of the evidence and arguments, found Mr. Kautz guilty of two counts of first-degree child abuse, one count of second-degree child abuse, two counts of second-degree assault, and one count of reckless endangerment. 

Evidence presented showed that the male victim, aged 18 months at the time of the interview with Talbot County Social Services, had sustained fractures in both tibias. These injuries, discovered during two separate skeletal surveys conducted at Johns Hopkins Hospital, were identified by experts as being highly indicative of non-accidental injury. 

Disturbing testimonies also revealed Kautz was observed shaking the child and causing visible bruising during visitations.

Joseph L Coale, Talbot County State's Attorney, commended the efforts of the investigators at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, Easton Police Department and doctors at Johns Hopkins, stating their collective efforts had helped achieve justice in a case which involved victims too young to speak for themselves.

Sentencing for Mr. Kautz is scheduled for June 10, 2024, in the Circuit Court for Talbot County.