Mother, boyfriend charged with child abuse

Mother, boyfriend charged with child abuse

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

LUDINGTON — A mother and her boyfriend have been charged for child abuse in a case that occurred in December 2021. Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Kreinbrink said Kevin James Kaiser, 29, of Ludington, has been arraigned in 79th District Court with first degree child abuse, which is punishable by up to life in prison. Tara Lynn Treesh, 34, of Ludington, has been charged with second degree child abuse, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. 

Kaiser

Kreinbrink said the alleged incident took place on Dec. 14, 2021 in the City of Ludington. She said Treesh brought her 2-year-old son to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Emergency Department for treatment of injuries. The child was then transferred to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids because of the severity of injuries, Kreinbrink said. 

“I became involved because the extent of injuries of the child indicated that it was possible that he was not going to survive,” Kreinbrink said. “Thankfully, because of the medical treatment he received, he has survived. He is currently in the care of his maternal grandparents.” 

Kreinbrink said Kaiser was in a relationship with Treesh and living with her at the time of the incident but is not the father of the child. Both Kaiser and Treesh were arrested by Ludington Police Department, which investigated the incident, which took place in the 600 block of East Dowland Street. 

“The charges were delayed for almost a year due to a very comprehensive investigation,” Kreinbrink said. “Initially we were unsure if the child was going to survive, which would have meant homicide charges. In addition, the original detective on the case left LPD. Det. Angela Babinec picked up the case and was able to finalize it. She has been instrumental in making sure this was brought to the courts.” 

Treesh

Kaiser also faces charges of maintaining a drug house and habitual offender, fourth offense, related to the case. He also is facing charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm for a separate, unrelated incident that allegedly took place on Sept. 12, 2021. 

Kaiser has a long history of criminal activity, including aggravated stalking, resisting/obstructing/assaulting police, accessory to a felony and home invasion.

Treesh also faces charges of possession of ecstasy and maintaining a drug house related to the case. Treesh also has a criminal history which includes breaking and entering and controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine. 

Kaiser is currently lodged in the Mason County Jail. Bail for his initial assault charges was $50,000. Bail for the child abuse charges was $100,000. Treesh is also lodged at the jail with bail set at $10,000. 

Kaiser is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary examination on Nov. 23. Treesh is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 30. 

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