A Franklin woman who had been facing charges for abusing her infant son has taken a plea deal in the case, which has drawn much attention around the community and on social media since the charges were filed last spring.
Emily Layman, 23, pleaded no contest last week to one felony count of endangering the welfare of children.
The rest of the charges against her — another felony count of endangering the welfare of children, two felony counts of aggravated assault and two misdemeanor counts each of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, were dismissed in exchange for her plea.
Police had said in a criminal complaint they received a form in November 2021 from Children and Youth Services regarding the Laymans’ three-week-old infant, who had been taken to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh with “numerous physical injuries which were suspicious in nature.”
Police also said the baby had no new healing fractures or bruising since he was removed from the care of his parents via a Children and Youth Services safety plan.
In July, the charges against Cain Layman were dropped at the couple’s preliminary hearing in Venango County Central Court, and all the charges against Emily Layman were bound over for further court proceedings.
Cain Layman had faced the same charges as his wife.
Court documents indicate a pre-sentence investigation has been ordered for Emily Layman, and then a sentencing date will be scheduled for her on the child endangerment charge.
