Topeka councilman charged with child endangerment resigns

? A former Topeka city councilman and his wife have been approved for diversion agreements tied to criminal charges involving child abuse of their 12-year-old son.

Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor said that Jonathan Schumm, 34, and Allison Schumm, 33, submitted applications seeking diversion in their cases. Taylor said on Wednesday that the agreements had been approved, but declined to detail the conditions.

Jonathan Schumm announced that he would resign from the City Council during a meeting Tuesday, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports. His resignation was effective noon Wednesday.

The Schumms are each charged with one criminal count of aggravated battery and four counts of endangering a child. Court records show that Jonathan Schumm is accused of striking his son with a belt, choking the child and threatening to “kill him.”

He has denied the allegations.

The pair have 17 children, with five being biological, two in foster care and 10 adopted.

Jonathan Schumm said left his position to best serve his family’s needs and to honor an agreement he reached with the Shawnee County District Attorney’s office.

In a diversion, a defendant, who is usually a first-time offender, applied to the district attorney’s office to enter a program in which he or she must complete series of requirements. The Schumm’s charges will be dismissed if they agree to the terms and successfully complete the requirements. Prosecution will resume if they violate a condition of diversion.

A Shawnee County judge dismissed a civil action to remove Jonathan Schumm from his position on Jan. 8.