Former KSU RB Patton has Jan. 26 arraignment date
Former Kansas State running back Leon Patton’s arraignment on a child abuse charge has been set for Jan 26 in Riley County District Court.
The ruling Friday followed a three-day hearing. The 20-year-old junior is free on bond.
He was arrested Sept. 18 on a charge that stems from a July 15 incident at his Manhattan residence, where Riley County police responded to a 911 call about a child not breathing.
“We’re continuing to look at this case,” said County Attorney Barry Wilkerson. “We’re continuing to investigate it for other possibilities as well.”
An arrest warrant indicated Patton “unlawfully and feloniously and intentionally shook” the infant, identified as his 2-month-old son. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 31 months in jail.
Patton was dismissed from the Kansas State team after the charge was filed. He had been a projected starter for the Wildcats this year after running for 390 yards and four touchdowns on 83 carries in 2007.
He already had been suspended from the team after a July traffic stop led to the discovery of outstanding warrants from 2007, one for stealing two video games from a Wal-Mart. He also was cited for an unpaid parking ticket.
After pleading no contest, Patton was sentenced to six months’ probation and fined $100.