Man With Prior Conviction for Biting Woman's Face Sentenced to Probation for Hitting Child, Required to Take Parenting Course

Richard Eugene Alexander, 49, was sentenced to 18 months of probation last week after he was convicted of child abuse without great bodily harm. 

Facing up to 4 ½ years in prison if he took the case to trial, Alexander took a plea deal that was accepted by Judge David Kreider, court records show. 

The arrest report states Alexander punched the victim in the eye with a closed fist after the child started crying.

The victim’s mother reported the incident a day later after the victim woke up with bruises.

Alexander told officers he did not punch the victim but hit him with the back of his hand, and that his intention was to discipline, not to hurt. 

Alexander’s probation will require him to take a parenting course. 

In August 2016, Alexander was convicted of burglary with assault or battery, stalking, intimidation, property damage, contempt of court and resisting. According to the arrest report, Alexander broke into the victim’s house despite her having a restraining order filed against him. Alexander kicked the victim in the face, punched her over ten times, and bit her on the face directly under her eye, in addition to damaging and stealing her property. He was sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison.