Winchester – An investigation was started in early July after a 17-month-old child was taken by Randolph County EMS from a home in Ridgeville to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Winchester with internal injuries. The child was later flown by medical helicopter to Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. The child is still recovering from those injuries.

The investigation was completed by State Police Detectives and reviewed by the Randolph County Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor’s office then convened a Grand Jury on October 1, 2012 to review the case for charges. Yesterday afternoon Pendleton Detectives arrested four Ridgeville residents as a result of warrants issued by that Randolph County Grand Jury.

Arrested was Todd Phenis Jr., age 21, for Aggravated Battery, Class “B” Felony, and Neglect of a Dependent, Class “B” Felony.  Todd Phenis is the child’s stepfather. Also arrested was Destiny Phenis, age 21, for Neglect of a Dependent, Class “B” Felony.  She is the child’s mother.

Also arrested was Russell T. Phenis, age 47, and Melissa Phenis age 44, both charged with Neglect of a Dependent, Class “D” Felony. They are step grandparents to the child.  All arrested are from Ridgeville and were lodged in the Randolph County Jail. State Police Detectives were assisted in the investigation by the Ridgeville Police Department.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.