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Twenty-nine year old Jared Monaco of Westfield pleaded not guilty in Town Chautauqua Court Monday afternoon. Monaco is accused of locking his girlfriend's 6-year-old son in a dryer for punishment. Investigators say the dryer was never turned on and the boy suffered no physical injuries.
Parent Staci Bemis says, "I can't imagine someone doing that to my 6-year-old son. It's frightening and wrong." 7 News tried to talk to Monaco at his home, but his only comment before shutting the door was "This is blown way out of proportion." Police say he claims he put the boy in the dryer for only a few seconds, but the boy apparently thought it was much longer.
Monaco is also facing allegations of beating the same boy with a belt. His attorney says his client maintains his innocence. He's scheduled to appear in court in Westfield later this week.
Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says, "It's appalling, unbelievable, and illegal."
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