Rehoboth mother charged with assault on toddler

By Globe Staff

A 38-year-old Rehoboth woman allegedly beat and seriously injured her 2-year-old son, who is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of a Rhode Island hospital, police said.

Kim H. Peno is to be arraigned this afternoon on charges of assault and battery on a child resulting in serious injury, Rehoboth Police Chief Stephen J. Enos said in a statement.

The father of the child came into the Seekonk police and fire headquarters about 12:15 a.m. this morning, seeking aid for his child. Paramedics immediately treated the child and he was transported to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Enos said.

Seekonk Police determined that the alleged assault had taken place at the child's home on Blanding Road in Rehoboth. Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Massachusetts State Police investigated, working through the night, the chief said.

The arraignment was slated for 2 p.m. in Taunton District Court, the Bristol district attorney's office said. Peno also faces an unrelated default warrant from Uxbridge District Court.