Jesse Vang (Photo courtesy Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The man who was caring for 3-year-old Elijah Vue when the boy was reported missing pleaded not guilty to a neglect charge Tuesday.
Jesse Vang, 39, is charged with chronic child neglect as party to the crime. Prosecutors say Vang is the boyfriend of Elijah Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur. She allegedly sent her son to stay with Vang at his Two Rivers apartment for “disciplinary reasons.”
Vang is due back in court June 28.
According to the criminal complaint, a photo from a Feb. 13-14 meeting between Baur and Vang shows Vue with bruising on his face and arm. A Feb. 15 photo of Vue shows him “standing in corner in diaper only, hands appear to be in praying position, and the diaper looks full. It appears to have been taken at Jesse Vang’s apartment,” the complaint states.
A text exchange between Vang and Baur is also cited:
On February 18, 2024 at approximately 4:36 AM Jesse Vang messages Katrina Baur ” I told you to trust me.. I’m a make sure he hates me and being here”. She responded ” Don’t want him to *hate* YOU. Just fear you”. Jesse responds “It’s ok. Some one had to be the bad person.” Katrina messaged ” I know but either way at he can fear you and respect you.” Jesse messaged “He did fear me..but he didn’t respect me..now I’m making him respect me.”
Elijah Vue was reported missing on Feb. 20. Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert last week said it became clear early on in the investigation that the boy wasn’t abducted and didn’t walk off on his own.
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