Lawrence father sentenced to probation after child abuse alleged

A judge has ordered a 34-year-old Lawrence man to serve six months on probation and complete additional parenting classes after he pleaded to a lesser charge related to allegations of abusing his daughter while trying to discipline her.

A jury in September failed to reach a verdict on a child abuse charge prosecutors sought against Corey L. Lewis.

Lewis had since completed an eight-week parenting course, and the two sides reached a deal to have him plead no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Douglas County prosecutors had alleged initially that Lewis abused his 4-year-old daughter at an apartment in the 1300 block of West 24th Street. Defense attorney Sarah Swain said Lewis realized he made a mistake in the case but that at the time he was trying to discipline the child.

Lewis said he had learned from an eight-week parenting course and that it helped to be able to talk with other parents.

District Judge Paula Martin on Thursday morning ordered Lewis to complete additional courses and serve probation. If he violates his probation term, he would serve 21 days in jail after already serving nine days. According to testimony, Lewis now only has supervised visitation rights to his two children.