Email List

Question of the Day: Bed Bugs ChargeRoad Trippin'Pay It ForwardOn-Time TrafficWaste WatchMost Viewed Story
WKEF-TV ABC 22 News :: News - Top Stories - Mother to be Sentenced Today for Permitting Child Abuse
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 10:38 AM EST
Mother to be Sentenced Today for Permitting Child Abuse
DAYTON -- Michelle Mooty, who was found guilty earlier this month of Permitting Child Abuse, is expected to be sentenced today.

Mooty's boyfriend, Joe Watson was convicted of murder in December after reportedly beating to death 2-year-old Levi Barrett.

He is currently serviing a 15-years-to-life sentence.

Mooty is accused of knowing about the abuse by Watson and not stopping it.

"This little boy suffered such abuse and torture from defendant Watson, it eventually caused the toddler to lose his life," Heck said earlier this month. "Just as horrific, the child's own mother knew of this abuse and allowed it to continue."

We'll bring you the judge's decision on Mooty's sentencing, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today.



February 8 coverage:

Mother Convicted of Permitting Child Abuse, Which Led to Death of 2-Year-Old Son

DAYTON -- Michelle D. Mooty, 23, of Dayton was found guilty Thursday of permitting child abuse that caused the death of 2-year-old son Levi Barrett.

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. said co-defendant Joe Curtis Watson IV arrived December 8, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital with Levi, who was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The victim, identified as the son of the Watson's girlfriend, Mooty, had numerous scars and extensive bruising over his entire body, Heck said.

Watson and Mooty were arrested that day. Heck said an autopsy revealed the child had deep contusions and bruising to internal organs. His death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma.

Watson was found guilty of murder and three counts of child endangering, and on December 12, 2012, was sentenced to 15 years-to-life in prison.

The jury found that Mooty knew of the abuse Watson routinely inflicted on her child, but still allowed Watson to care for the child. On Thursday, she was found guilty of permitting child abuse, complicity to commit felonious assault and child endangering.

"This little boy suffered such abuse and torture from defendant Watson, it eventually caused the toddler to lose his life," Heck said. "Just as horrific, the child's own mother knew of this abuse and allowed it to continue."

Mooty will be sentenced February 26.



December 12, 2012 coverage:

Man Gets 15-Life for Baby Death; Gives Reason

DAYTON -- A Dayton man gets 15 years to life in prison Tuesday for killing a baby one year ago.  Investigators say 2-year-old Levi Barrett suffered from repeated physical abuse and died last November from severe bruising to his internal organs.

"A piece of paper, that's how I have to see my nephew, a piece of paper," said Levi's uncle Clemmie Hines. "He beat my nephew to death, punched him in the chest and exploded his heart."

Levi's family says Monday was the first time they had heard Joe Watson's excuse for killing their baby. Watson, 27, told the judge the murder was an accident.

"You hit him on accident for doing what," asked the judge.

"Messing with an elephant that he wasn't supposed to be playing with ... it was the first time I ever hit him," Watson said.

The judge didn't believe it was the only time Watson hit his then-girlfriend's son and said if people knew about the abuse, they are guilty for not speaking up.

"There are going to be a lot of people held accountable one day for not protecting that baby," she said. "I find it incomprehensible that somebody would not love and value a child and that somebody would see something and not say anything. Says a lot about our community."

"He never wanted to go home, he would cry and scream. It's kind of hard to take a baby away from its mother," said Levi's uncle Clemmie Hines.

Hines says Levi's father opened a case with Children Services two days before Levi was murdered

"They came to the house and said everything was fine," he said.

Now Watson will spend at least 15 years behind bars for the murder his family says he was forced into admitting to.

"He did plead guilty, I would plead guilty, too, 'cause if he didn't he could get 30-40 years," said Joe's mother Sandra Watson. "I would plead guilty so I could see daylight again."

Levi's mother Michelle Mooty is charged with "permitting child abuse" and she is scheduled to go on trial in February.

"We'll  never forget, but we have to forgive. I know it's something that's hard for people to do but if you want to live a Christian life and see Levi again, that's what you'll have to do," Michelle's grandmother Pauline Lofton said.Mother to be Sentenced Today for Permitting Child Abuse

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Related Stories

  • WKEF :: Community - Road Trippin

    Road Trippin

    Come Road Trippin' with us every Friday morning as we discover the best places to visit that are within one tank of gas away.
  • WKEF :: Community - Automotive

    Automotive

    Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
  • WKEF :: Community - Morning Pledge

    Morning Pledge

    Your kids recite the morning Pledge of Allegiance.
  • WKEF :: Community - Meningitis Research

    Meningitis Research

    Learn how your 10-12 year old child can be a part of a Meningitis study, courtesy of the Ohio Pediatric Research Association!
  • WKEF :: Community - A Feast of Giving

    A Feast of Giving

    Thanksgiving in Dayton: "A Feast of Giving" a dinner, a celebration, a community event, that can only happen because of volunteers like you. Click here to volunteer!

  • WKEF :: Community - Get in the Loop

    Get in the Loop

    LoopLane is a lifestyle community that focuses on positive healthy living, giving, and entertainment. Click here to learn more!
  • WKEF :: Community - Free Bankruptcy Evaluation

    Free Bankruptcy Evaluation

    Last year alone, more than 1 million Americans turned to filing bankruptcy to resolve their debts.Get answers to important questions here.
  • WKEF :: Community - Community Survey

    Community Survey

    ABC22 & FOX45 conducts a general public survey of the needs, problems and interests of our community on a ongoing basis. Give us your input here!
  • WKEF :: Community - Best of Class 2012

    Best of Class 2012

    ABC22 / FOX45 and the Ohio Lottery salute the best of the class of 2012!
  • WKEF :: Community - Community Calendar

    Community Calendar

    Find all of the information you need on the local events, concerts, festivals and just about anything else going on in your community!
  • WKEF :: Community - Text Club

    Text Club

    Save money by getting special offers and coupons only available to our text club members sent directly to your phone!


Top Stories List

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Newsmax Headlines


 
  • WKEF :: News - Chefs Corner

    Chefs Corner

    We often invite local chefs into our studio kitchen to demonstrate their cooking techniques and recipes.  Watch those video segments on this page.
  • WKEF :: News - Pay It Forward

    Pay It Forward

    River Valley Credit Union, FOX45, and ABC22 recognize the good deeds of people and organizations who make the Miami Valley a better place.
  • WKEF :: News - Health Care Reform

    Health Care Reform

    The Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act sparked a new battle. Check here daily for the latest developments, locally and across the country.

  • WKEF :: News - Secrets Of A Thief

    Secrets Of A Thief

    We expose the "Secrets Of A Thief". Sponsored by Shiver Security.
  • WKEF :: News - Cool Schools

    Cool Schools

    Our children are the way of the future and it all starts with our schools. Join us as our Hilary Zalla goes inside schools around the Miami Valley to find out what cool things students and teachers are ...
  • WKEF :: News - Town Hall

    Town Hall

    Join in as our expert panel discusses jobs in Ohio
  • WKEF :: News - No Text Zone

    No Text Zone

    Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE.
  • WKEF :: News - Washington Guardian

    Washington Guardian

    The Washington Guardian is an online newspaper committed to providing watchdog journalism from the nation's capital aimed at safeguarding everyday Americans' tax dollars, security and freedoms.
  • WKEF :: News - On Time Traffic

    On Time Traffic

    Get the latest traffic information and updates here!
  • WKEF :: News - See It, Shoot It, Send It

    See It, Shoot It, Send It

    Did you catch that incredible sunset? Have a photo for your adorable child or pet? Snap a picture of breaking news? Share it with us!
  • WKEF :: News - School Closings

    School Closings

    Get the list of all closings and delays for schools and businesses within the area, and sign up for text alerts!
  • WKEF :: News - Save Local TV

    Save Local TV

    Find out how you can save local TV right here!

  • WKEF :: News - Raw News

    Raw News

    Watch raw, unedited and uncensored news stories right here!
  • WKEF :: News - Pump Patrol

    Pump Patrol

    Find the lowest gas prices, check out local and national price trends, report low prices and get fuel saving tips!
  • WKEF :: News - Political Pulse

    Political Pulse

    Armstrong Williams is a pugnacious, provocative and principled voice for conservatives and Christian values in America's public debates.
  • WKEF :: News - News Links

    News Links

    These links were chosen by the newsroom for their newsworthy content. These sites enhance the news stories that aired on the newscast on the dates cited.
  • WKEF :: News - Menard's Around the House

    Menard's Around the House

    Menards Around the House how-to videos give you tips for those much needed home improvements!
  • WKEF :: News - On the Move

    On the Move

    Get the latest news and more on your mobile phone!
  • WKEF :: News - Good Morning

    Good Morning

    It's Fun, it's fresh, the way mornings should be!
  • WKEF :: News - Top Stories

    Top Stories

    Get up to the minute information from across Ohio in our Top Stories section!
  • WKEF :: News - Your Voice. Your Future.

    Your Voice. Your Future.

    As the country faces challenges from federal budget issues to jobs and national debt, your voice is critical to the future.
  • WKEF :: News - Waste Watch

    Waste Watch

    How are your tax dollars being spent? Waste Watch tracks whether local, state and federal governments or any groups are using your money wisely...or wasting it.

more »

Business News

Consumer Info

BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
   NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...

Entertainment News

"DANCING WITH THE STARS"

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zendaya or Kellie Pickler will be winning the mirrorball trophy.

Get This

GW-GYM FLOOR

WASHINGTON (AP) -- George Washington University students will soon be walking all over the White House and the Capitol, too.

Science/Tech News

IN THE NEWS: iPHONE RECOVERED AFTER THEFT IN OREGON

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A smartphone, plus a not-so-smart criminal -- equals an arrest in Oregon.

Tonight on ABC 22

6:00 pm ..... ABC 22 News at Six
6:30 pm ..... ABC World News
7:00 pm ..... Family Feud
7:30 pm ..... Family Feud
8:00 pm ..... The Bachelor's Funniest Moments
9:00 pm ..... Dancing With the Stars: Season Finale
11:00 pm ... ABC 22 News at Eleven
11:30 pm ... Jimmy Kimmel Live
12:30 am ... Nightline
Complete Schedule»