Springfield police began their investigation Monday when they were called to investigate a complaint that allegedly took place between May and July of this year, according to an affidavit filed with the case.
“I made contact with the reporting person who stated they possessed images of the child victim with significant injuries from an apparent whipping with a belt or a similar object,” the affidavit says.
Officers met with the witness and it was determined Malone was a caretaker of the child, the affidavit says.
“A welfare check was completed at the residence on Oct. 7 at which time the residence was found to be livable for the children, however, a loaded handgun was found to be on the upstairs toilet in reach of the children in the residence,” the affidavit says.
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The gun was secured away from the children after the check, the affidavit says, and a safety plan was created due to the alleged crimes.
“Through an investigation, it was determined that Mr. Malone told a witness that he caused the injury to the child victim due to a disciplinary matter after she confronted him when the injuries were discovered,” the affidavit says. “The witness stated Mr. Malone stated he was sorry that he caused the injury to the child and it would not happen again.”
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