Wautoma Man Charged with Child Abuse

WAUTOMA, Wis (WAUH)- A 29-year-old Wautoma man is suspected of causing life-threatening injuries to a 5-month old child.

Stephen Polvi is charged with child abuse recklessly causing great bodily harm.

According to Wautoma Police the child was taken to ThedaCare Hospital in Wild Rose on May 30^th because it was spitting up blood.  The infant could no longer feed normally. The baby was taken to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for further treatment.

Hospital officials told police the child’s injuries were life-threatening and the injuries were consistent with physical abuse. The family lives in Wautoma.

Caregivers and witnesses were interviewed including Polvi. During his interview he said the infant was fussy and sometimes you need to put your fingers in the back of the baby’s mouth. Another caregiver reported finding the infant spitting up blood after the infant was alone with Polvi.

Polvi is currently on probation for first-degree recklessly endangering safety in Sheboygan County and second-degree recklessly endangering safety in Washington County. As a result of the incident Polvi was taken back into custody by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

On Thursday the Waushara County District Attorney charged him with child abuse recklessly causing great bodily harm. His initial court hearing is on August 18^th.