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Toddler remains hospitalized with brain injury as man faces attempted homicide charges

WEST BROWNSVILLE, Pa — A 2-year-old remains hospitalized after his mother’s boyfriend allegedly severely abused him in a Washington County home last month.

Benjamin Lesczynski is facing attempted homicide charges and is accused of nearly beating his girlfriend's son, Zachary, to death.

Lesczynski pleaded not guilty in court Monday and had his bond raised to $1 million. A state trooper said in court, Zachary had injuries so horrific, it looked as if he had been in a rollover accident.

Lesczynski’s defense attorney said the boy’s mother has lied to police multiple times and there is no evidence Lesczynski committed the crime.

Zachary’s mother, Brittany Sumey, testified that Lesczynski took Zachary downstairs to play with the kids and a half-hour later, Lesczynski came up to get her. She said Zachary was lying on the floor unresponsive, cold, limp and vomiting.

Sumey said Lesczynski told her that they needed to get their stories straight and told her to say they were all downstairs playing.

Police revealed in court a consensual intercept phone call, in which they recorded Sumey calling Lesczynski, who did not know it was being recorded.

On the recording Lesczynski is reported to say the following:

Ben: "Did you tell them you were in the living room?"

Victim's mother: "No, I told them the truth."

Ben: "Well, I told you.  You just messed everything up."

Lesczynski told Channel 11’s Cara Sapida that he “never touched him,” referring to the child.