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Burbank man pleads not guilty to charges that he physically abused infant daughter

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A 19-year-old Burbank man on Friday pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony child abuse after his 5-week-old daughter was brought to a hospital with injuries that could result in her becoming comatose or paralyzed, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

The man, Matthew Wojcik, was arrested Tuesday night after medical staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles notified police that they were treating an infant in critical condition with multiple broken bones.

The police investigation, which included interviews with hospital officials, revealed the baby had allegedly suffered from ongoing abuse, said Burbank Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

According to a criminal complaint filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the assault could result in the infant “becoming comatose due to brain injury” or permanently paralyzed.

The investigation is ongoing, Burbank Police Capt. Denis Cremins said on Friday.

If convicted, Wojcik faces up to life in state prison, according to the criminal complaint.

Wojcik remained in custody in lieu of $1 million bail and is due back in court on Nov. 14.

-- Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek

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