OPD Arrest Pair In Child Endangerment Investigation
Michael Rowley (courtesy Mahaska County Jail)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – On Wednesday, December 3, 2014 the Oskaloosa Police Department arrested and charged Michael Rowley with Child Endangerment causing serious injury and Amber Puckett with child neglect, both class “C” felonies. Rowley, age 26, and Puckett, age 27, both reside at 202 4th Ave West in Oskaloosa, IA. The arrest stems from an investigation into allegations of possible child abuse. On Tuesday December 2, 2014 the accused took their 13 day old infant for a two week wellness appointment, it was there doctors discovered bruises on the feet and a possible leg fracture. Due to the extent of the injuries the infant was air lifted to Iowa City to receive more specialized care.
According to court documents, officers filed the following affidavit in regards to the charge against Rowley.
On Tuesday December 2, 2014 this office was contacted by the Department of Human Services and was advised my assistance was needed at the emergency room in Pella Iowa. The complaint was that the defendants thirteen day old infant W.R. was being seen by a doctor. It was believed that the infant had a fractured left leg along with bruises on it’s feet. In speaking with the doctor I was informed that he had concerns about the care of the child from the defendant and it’s mother Amber Pucket. The infant was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines for a more thorough examination. This officer did talk with the defendant at the hospital. It was learned that around 10:00 p.m. on December 1st he was changing the infants diaper. The infant was crying and he became angry and grabbed the child by the legs and twisted and jerked the childs legs. The defendant advised me that he cause the injuries to his son’s leg. On December 3rd 2014 this officer learned that the infant had fractures on both legs and was being life flighted to Iowa City for more specialized care.
In the affidavit submitted to the court in regard to Amber Puckett.
Amber Puckett (courtesy Mahaska County Jail)
On Tuesday December 2, 2014 this office was contacted by the Department of Human Services and was advised my assistance was needed at the emergency room in Pella Iowa. The complaint was that the defendants thirteen day old infant W.R. was being seen by a doctor. It was believed that the infant had a fractured left leg along with bruises on it’s feet. In speaking with the doctor I was informed that he had concerns about the care of the child from the defendant and it’s mother Amber Pucket. The infant was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines for a more thorough examination. This officer did talk with the defendant at the hospital. It was learned that around 10:00 p.m. on December 1st he was changing the infants diaper. The infant was crying and he became angry and grabbed the child by the legs and twisted and jerked the child’s legs. The child immediately screamed and cryed more and he put it to bed. The defendant advised me that he cause the injuries to his son’s leg. On December 3rd 2014 this officer learned that the infant had fractures on both legs and was being life flighted to Iowa City for more specialized care. This officer also visited with witnesses that had seen the father be violent towards the infant on more than one occasion. This officer was also advised that the defendant in this matter was passed out from alcohol use that was the reason the child was left in the care of the abuser.
A class C felony is punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary and or a ten thousand dollar fine.
Both Rowley and Puckett are being held in the Mahaska County Jail on $250,000 bonds each.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
