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Man Charged With Torture After Toddlers Burned

BLACKMAN TWP. (WWJ) - A 24-year-old Jackson County man has been arrested after police say his girlfriend's two young children were burned by hot water while in his care.

Blackman Township police said the man, who was watching the kids while their mother was out of town, told officers he was giving the kids a bath and it must have been an accident.

"He claims he left the children in the bathtub and they must have adjusted the temperature," Deputy Director Jon Johnston told WWJ Newsradio 950.

Johnston said the one and 2-year-old children suffered second and third-degree burns to the lower parts of their bodies.

"Based on the injuries to the children, the opinion of emergency room doctors advising that the injuries were consistent with an intentional act, and an interview with the boyfriend, he was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of child abuse and torture."

Johnston said the water was just under 140 degrees.

The kids were critical condition Thursday afternoon.

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