2 Arrested In Enfield Child Abuse Investigation: Police

ENFIELD, CT — Two Enfield residents have been arrested following an investigation into the suspected abuse of a 5-year-old boy, according to police.

The investigation began June 1, when members of the Enfield Police Department’s Detective Division accompanied Department of Children and Families personnel to Enfield Street School. The child had arrived at school with facial petechiae, police said.

Investigators determined that the boy had been restrained in a manner that blocked his airway and compressed his body to the point that he could not breathe, according to police.

Matthew Wezniak, 40, of Enfield, was arrested Sept. 8 and charged with second-degree strangulation or suffocation, first-degree unlawful restraint, first-degree reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a child. His bond was set at $250,000, with release permitted only after the bond was posted in court.

Police also arrested Jessica Abelin, 33, of Enfield. Investigators allege Abelin knew the child had been injured but did not protect him during the incident or seek medical assistance afterward.

Abelin was charged with risk of injury to a child. Her bond was set at $150,000, also requiring that it be posted in court.

Both defendants were presented Sept. 8 at Hartford Superior Court.

Police said the arrests were made under warrants issued that day and that the case does not pose a broader threat to the public.

The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.