Toddler in critical, mother charged

REHOBOTH, Mass. (WPRI) - Police in Rehoboth are investigating an alleged abuse case of a two-year-old boy.

According to detectives, a man walked into the Seekonk Police and Fire Headquarters around 12:15 a.m. Thursday, seeking assistance for his badly injured toddler.

The young boy was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital for treatment. He is in the Intensive Care Unit and listed in critical condition.

"His treatment at the hospital indicated that he had severe injuries to his body, and head. He is currently still there in critical condition," said Rehoboth Police Chief Stephen Enos.

Seekonk Police determined that the alleged abuse happened at the child's home on Blanding Road in Rehoboth. Rehoboth and Massachusetts State Police investigated the incident throughout the night.

"The father at this point, we do not believe he was involved in the assault of the child," said Gregg Miliote from the Bristol County District Attorney's office.

The boy's mother, Kim Peno, 38, was taken into police custody. She was arraigned Thursday afternoon in Taunton District Court, on one count of assault and battery on a child, with intent to murder. 

She is being held without bail. Her lawyer said Peno has a history of mental illness. She will eventually face a competency exam.

Peno is also facing a second, unrelated charge of a default warrant from Uxbridge District Court.