Father Pleads Not Guilty To Injuring Baby Girl

Ivan Rosario, 18, of 46 South Prospect Street, Haverhill, pleaded not guilty today in Haverhill District Court to assault and battery on a child causing substantial bodily injury. Judge Patricia Dowling ordered Rosario held without bail and continued his case until November 18 for a dangerousness hearing.

Rosario allegedly shook his crying three-month old daughter, Yolisse Rivera, Sunday afternoon at the apartment he shares her, the baby's mother and other family members. The baby's mother, who was preparing a bottle for the infant in another room when Rosario allegedly shook the baby, called 911 at about 3:30 p.m. after the baby's eyes rolled toward the back of her head and she was having difficulty breathing.

The baby was taken to Lawrence General Hospital and then transferred to New England Medical Center in Boston.

The maximum penalty for assault and battery on a child causing substantial bodily injury is 15 years in state prison or 2 ½ years in the House of Correction.

Essex Assistant District Attorney John DePaulo represented the Commonwealth at arraignment. Rosario was represented by Attorney Alisa Rosenthal.

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