RACINE — Laquan Russell, accused of child abuse, pleaded no contest to three of the five charges Friday, avoiding a trial that was scheduled to begin Aug. 6.
Russell, who is 33, pleaded no contest to one count of neglecting a child and two counts of child abuse meant to intentionally cause harm.
The two remaining counts, additional neglect and abuse charges, were dismissed.
Russell is scheduled to appear in Racine County Circuit Court for a sentencing hearing Oct. 1.
Russell was charged alongside Dashja Turner and accused of neglecting Turner’s five children, ages 1-14, according to previous Journal Times reporting. Russell is reportedly the father of two of the children.
In July 2023, police responded to the 1100 block of Metron Court to assist with a welfare check. After searching the basement, police found “four frail, unkempt children” on a twin-sized air mattress.
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A medical evaluation revealed all four children had experienced severe neglect. Russell was accused of physically abusing two of the children.