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THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A Thomasville man faces multiple counts of child abuse after allegedly forcing a child’s head into a toilet, according to Detective Chet Jarrell with Thomasville police.

Zachary Chase Leonard, 27, of Thomasville, is charged with four counts of felony intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.

According to Jarrell, Leonard is accused of forcing his girlfriend’s 4-year-old daughter’s head into a toilet, causing serious mental injury. He is also accused of causing bruising by strangulation.

The allegations occurred between May 10, 2015, and Jan. 12. Jarrell said family members filed a report after they became concerned about injuries to the child.

Officers found signs of assault on the child, Jarrell said. After interviewing the child, police issued charges against Leonard.

As of Friday, the child was staying with her biological father, Jarrell said.

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