Newton man charged with sexual abuse, endangerment

A Newton man was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and child endangerment June 16 after being accused of punching a 2-year-old child in the genitals, hitting a 4-year-old child in the mouth as well as sexual abusing a 11-year-old child.

Christopher L. Riggs, 26, denied touching any of the children during his arrest.

According to police reports, the child's mother said Riggs punched the 2-year-old in the genitals, causing a bruise. When officers spoke to the 11-year-old victim, she said that Riggs hit the 4-year-old in the mouth, causing a swollen, split lip and loose tooth.

When asked by officers if he had ever done anything to her, she said that three to four weeks ago when they were sitting on a sofa, he put his hand down her pants and assaulted her. He told her that she could not tell anyone because "I could go to jail for a long time."

Riggs was taken to the Jasper County Jail, where he is being held on a $35,000 bond. He was arrested in March after an incident where he was charged with consumption of alcohol in public place and interference with official acts.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com