​A 30-year-old Cheyenne man accused of physically injuring his girlfriend's nephew by spanking him with a belt has pleaded not guilty to a single count of child abuse.

Charles C. Garey entered the plea Monday in Laramie County District Court.

Court records allege Garey spanked the 9-year-old nine times a day with a leather belt for four consecutive days in July 2017. Authorities say the boy had welts on his buttocks and left hip.

Garey reportedly told authorities that the boy received the same discipline as his two children, and that his kids know their age is the number of spankings they get.

Garey, who is out of jail on his own recognizance, is currently scheduled for trial on Nov. 6. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

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