In a story we continue to watch in Osceola County, a 21-year old Evart man is taking a plea deal from prosecutors connected to a case of child abuse of a one and a half year old toddler.

Marc Steven Hartnett is pleading guilty to first degree child abuse and one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Back in September of 2015, the baby’s mother came home to find her child unresponsive with severe injuries; Hartnett was watching the child at the time of what happened.

He faces 13 to 40 years behind bars when he’s sentenced next month.