Watch CBS News

Wis. Parents Charged With Starving Baby, Feared Obesity

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors have accused an Appleton couple of starving their 17-month-old daughter, apparently because her father was afraid she would become obese.

Christopher and Mary Sultze each face one count of child neglect, a felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison and $25,000 in fines.

According to a criminal complaint filed earlier this month, the child weighed a little more than 8 pounds when she was born in July 2010. This past August she weighed a little more than 11 pounds.

The complaint says Christopher Sultze told a social worker during a discussion that month about feeding the child more that he didn't want obese children.

Mary Sultze's attorney says he's not convinced the parents committed any criminal wrongdoing. Christopher Sultze's attorney didn't immediately return a message.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.