
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 6, 1995                   TAG: 9501060118
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RICHARD FOSTER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BEDFORD COUNTY MOTHER CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE

A 23-year-old Bedford County woman was indicted this week on a felony charge of abusing and neglecting her infant daughter, who was hospitalized in August with a broken leg and other fractures and bruises.

Anita Lynette Burgess is to stand trial Feb. 17 in Bedford County Circuit Court.

Her husband, Michael David Burgess, 18, also has been charged with felony abuse and neglect, although he has not yet been indicted. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 24.

"This is probably one of the most serious child abuse cases I've seen since I've been in this office," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Krantz.

A pediatrician testified at Anita Burgess' preliminary hearing last month that it would have taken the force of a 30-foot fall or an automobile collision to break Amber Burgess' femur, which is about the size of a large chicken bone.

Amber, now 6 months old, has been in foster care since August. The Burgesses have no visitation rights.

Krantz said the Burgesses were charged with felony abuse and neglect instead of assault or a similar charge so the prosecution won't have to prove the parents caused the infant's injuries.

If convicted, Anita Burgess could receive up to 10 years in prison.

by CNB