Conflict hearing set in child endangerment case

A hearing was continued in Lucas County Common Pleas Court until March to argue whether there is a conflict of interest involving a lawyer defending one of the parents charged with physically abusing and failing to protect their adopted daughter who has cerebral palsy.

Judge Myron Duhart set a March 12 hearing date Monday for further arguments and witnesses in a prosecutor claim that attorney Ann Baronas has a conflict of interest in representing Lee Anne Henry. According to the motion filed by the prosecutor’s office, a conflict of interest might exist because Ms. Baronas had previously been appointed as a guardian ad litem, or special advocate, for former foster children in the Henrys’ care.

Mrs. Henry, and her husband Christopher Henry, of 3001 Brock Drive were indicted in August on child-endangering charges. Mrs. Henry, 58, is charged with two counts of child endangering and faces up to eight years in prison. Mr. Henry, 58, is charged with one count of child endangering for reportedly failing in his duty to protect the child and faces up to three years in prison, court records state.

Two witnesses testified in early January regarding the motion. Judge Duhart continued the hearing to March 12 because defense witnesses were not available Monday.