A Monroe County man has been charged with assaulting a child by holding his hands under extremely hot, burning water and failing to provide immediate hospital care for the severe burns.

State police at Stroudsburg charged David J. McNeese, 27, of Hamilton Township, with aggravated assault - victim less than than 6 and the defendant 18 or older, a felony 2; simple assault, misdemeanor 2; and endangering the welfare of children - parent/guardian/other commits offense, a felony 3.

Troopers said on Jan. 20 they received a child abuse referral from the Monroe County Office of Children and Youth regarding a 2-year-old victim with severe burns to both hands. A multi-disciplinary child abuse team from the Lehigh Valley Hospital reviewed the injuries of the child and subsequently requested an investigation.

Through the investigation it was learned that on Jan. 18 about 3 p.m. the child was burned by extremely hot water from the kitchen sink at their home in Hamilton Township. The water appeared unusually hot due to a furnace issue. McNeese then wrapped the child’s hands in vaseline and socks. The child was not taken to the hospital emergency room until the next day, Jan. 19, where he appeared in substantial pain with skin falling off.

A further investigation along with a review of injuries by physicians at the Lehigh Valley Hospital - Child Protection Medicine, indicated the child had suffered severe second degree burns. Based upon the medical findings and interviews the county district attorney’s office recommended McNeese be charged.

On Aug. 3 McNeese was arraigned before District Judge Paul Gasper, of Stroudsburg, and released on $25,000 unsecured bail.