6-Week-Old Seriously Hurt, Huntley Man Charged

HUNTLEY, IL — A 28-year-old Huntley man has been charged with causing great bodily harm to a child after a six-week-old baby was transferred to a children’s hospital in Chicago with serious injuries.

Shawn P. Fontaine, 28, of the 11400 block of Beacon Avenue in Huntley, was charged with aggravated battery to a child under the age of 13.

The Huntley Police Department was notified after a six-week-old baby was admitted to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital for injuries on Jan. 18, according to Huntley Deputy Police Chief Michael Klunk.

The infant was later transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago due to the severity of the injuries. The child is currently in protective custody, Klunk said, adding that Fontaine was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

According to a criminal complaint, Fontaine knowingly caused great bodily harm to the infant by grabbing and/or striking the child.

Fontaine’s girlfriend, Nicole Kotlarz, 35, also of the 11400 block of Beacon Avenue in Huntley, was charged with child endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor.

According to a separate criminal complaint, Kotlarz left the 6-week-old baby unattended on a couch for several minutes with a 70 pound dog while she was in the garage.

Huntley police were assisted by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office during the investigation.

Kotlarz was released after posting bail and Fontaine was also released after posting 10 percent of his $100,000 bond.

Fontaine is scheduled to appear in court on March 6 and Kotlarz is due back in court on March 13.

From the Lake & McHenry County Scanner:
By Sam Borcia

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.