An Easton, Pa. man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly refusing to help his 14-year-old son who was suffering from severe tooth pain.
Police say that 40-year-old Francisco Torres failed to provide dental care for his son who had suffered from painful toothaches for months.
According to the Morning Call, the boy’s toothaches began in June or July of 2010.
Investigators say that the pain became so unbearable for the boy that he pulled two teeth from his mouth using a pair of pliers, causing even more pain and continuous bleeding.
Even after all of that, Police say Torres still refused to take his son to the dentist.
Torres tried to defend himself Wednesday when approached by NBC Philadelphia.
"I'm not a bad father," Torres said. "They try to make me look like I'm a monster."
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Eventually the boy told another person who contacted the Northampton County Children and Youth, prompting the involvement of the Easton Police Department.
The boy had surgery in February and removed fragments of the two teeth that were still inside his mouth.
"The actual dentist report indicated he could've had widespread infection or possibly death," said Detective Christopher Miller.
The Morning Call reports that Torres told police he had insurance issues. Police claim that he has a valid health insurance card that would have covered his son's dental work however.
Torres is charged with child endangerment. He was arraigned and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
