(KNZA)--A Horton area man accused of the abuse of a child has entered a “ no contest” plea to charges contained in an amended complaint.

Michael McAfee entered the plea Wednesday in Brown County District Court to three counts of misdemeanor battery.

Sentencing was set for March 23rd.

McAfee had originally been charged with felony counts of abuse of a child and aggravated child endangerment along with misdemeanor battery.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says the charges stem from the alleged beating of a child born in 2004 that was under McAfee’s care.

He was arrested last October following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.