Man acquitted of child cruelty charge in alleged assault at Bakersfield group home

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man was acquitted Tuesday of a misdemeanor child cruelty charge filed in connection with the alleged assault of a 13-year-old boy at a Bakersfield group home.

Justin Howard had faced allegations he threw the boy against a wall, shoved his face into food, hit him with a toy sword and overturned a couch he was sitting on, according to a Public Defender’s Office release.

The allegations were made after police were called to the group home on Oct. 27, 2024, the release says.

Evidence was presented at trial showing the boy had no visible injuries, the release says, and witness testimony and evidence refuted the allegations.

Howard had faced a year in jail if convicted of the sole charge against him.

“I’m thankful the jury was able to see through the allegations,” Deputy Public Defender Kayla Hughes said in the release. “I hope this verdict gives some solace to Mr. Howard and his family, and that he is able to rebuild his life and move forward.”

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