Woman convicted of child endangering

3/1/2005

An East Toledo woman who allowed her 16-year-old son to possess a handgun that was used in the accidental shooting of her 10-year-old son was convicted yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Julie Bryant, 34, of 244 White St., pleaded no contest to felony child endangering. She was found guilty by Judge Gary Cook, who scheduled her sentencing for April 13.

The conviction stems from the Oct. 3 shooting of Bryant's son, Anthony Lewandowski, in an alley behind the White Street residence.

Another boy, Terry Patrick, 13, was handling the 38-caliber handgun when it discharged into the victim's abdomen. Young Lewandowski was treated at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

Andrew Lastra, an assistant prosecutor, said Bryant saw the victim's 16-year-old brother, Michael Lewandowski, with the gun the day before the shooting, but only warned him to get rid of it.

Mr. Lastra said Bryant had a duty of care to protect her children, and should have taken the weapon for safety.

Jacob Bryant, 20, of 440 Greenwood Ave., was convicted in December of contributing to the delinquency of a child for selling the gun to Michael Lewandowski about two months before the incident.

He was placed on probation for two years.