Mom knows what it’s like to be in hot water
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa.— A 24-year-old township woman, arrested last month after allegedly burning the right hand of her 3year-old daughter, had her preliminary hearing postponed Wednesday in District Court.
Andrea Amaya, of the 3100 block of Knights Road, was arrested following an investigation by the Bensalem Township Police Special Victim’s Unit, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the Bucks County Children and Youth agency.
Doctors with St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia said the burns on the infant’s right hand were inflicted, according to the police department’s affidavit of probable cause.
“Dr. Maria Mccolgen ...said the child’s hand would have to be held under water at a temperature of 129 degrees for over 10 seconds to receive a second-degree burn and significantly longer for a third-degree burn,” the affidavit set forth.
“She indicated that a child’s natural reflex would be to remove her hand from scalding water and that nothing in her examination of (the child) and her medical history indicated her reflexes were anything but normal.”
The doctor also noted the child suffered bruising all over her body and was suffering from malnourishment and dehydration, according to the document.
The investigation started on Nov. 3, when the girl was treated at the children’s hospital for a third-degree burn to her hand, authorities said.
The girl received the necessary treatment, which included skin grafts on her hand, and is now living in a foster home. The defendant’s other five children are also in foster care under the direction of Bucks County Children and Youth, according to authorities.
Amaya was charged with felony aggravated assault and child endangerment, and misdemeanor simple assault. She was being held in county lockup on $200,000 bail.
Her preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 25, court officials said. There was no reason given for the delay.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — It may be up to New Jersey voters to decide whether to allow online betting in the state. An Internet gambling bill that was going to be fast-tracked through the Legislature if Gov. Chris Christie gave his support is being held up because the state Constitution may require the question to be put to voters.
Assemblyman John Burzichelli, who is sponsoring the measure in the Assembly, said a panel in that chamber won’t hear the bill Thursday. Burzichelli said legal issues have to be worked out to be sure the bill complies with the state constitution. He said a constitutional amendment may be the only way to make Internet gambling legal in New Jersey. Lesniak said he believes Internet gambling can be achieved legislatively and that a voter-approved constitutional amendment isn’t required.