Kenimer jailed for slapping 4-year-old

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

KENIMER

Admitting he had “anger issues,” a father was sent to jail for 30 days after he slapped his 4-year-old stepson hard enough to leave a hand print on his face.

The defendant, Johnathan Kenimer, entered a guilty plea before General Sessions Judge Larry Ross this week to the charge of child abuse. He had originally been charged with a felony but the case was reduced to a misdemeanor with Kenimer agreeing to undergo anger management courses after he does his 30 days. He will also remain on supervised probation for one year.

Kenimer, who had a clean record, slapped the 4-year-old boy after he reportedly became frustrated with the child. Lawmen say he picked the child up by its clothes and slapped the boy with enough force to leave a full hand print on the side his face. When asked why he, a man of over 200 pounds, would hit a child with such force, Kenimer admitted problems controlling himself.

“I have serious anger issues,” Kenimer said, saying he hopes his required anger management sessions will help him control his rage in the future.

Kenimer’s wife has left the area with the child since the incident and the case is presently under the watch of the Department of Children’s Services. Ross has forbidden Kenimer from seeing his stepson, noting contact with the child, aside from getting a specific court order, will result in violation of his probation. Kenimer will also have to undergo parenting classes as part of his plea agreement.