Former Sheboygan Falls alderman charged with child abuse

A former Sheboygan Falls alderman has been charged with felony child abuse after allegedly beating his autistic son.

Thomas McCue Jr, 48, was charged in Oneida County with felony child abuse and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The felony carries a maximum penalty of three years initial confinement and a $10,000 fine.

McCue lost his District 2 adermanic seat in last spring’s election.

According to the police report:

On July 17, an Oneida County Sheriff’s deputy was told of a disturbance involving a child and adult at Cross Country Bar and Grill. A witness said the adult was sitting with a child in the bar area at a table when McCue allegedly began to bang his fist on the table and told the child to get to the truck.

Another witness said she saw the man kick and slap the boy in the back and slap him across the back of the head before punching him in the back of the head.

Once McCue was identified as the assailant, his cell phone was pinged by authorities to track his vehicle. Eventually they made contact with his brother, who identified the child as Thomas McCue’s son. He stated that the son was autistic and he had seen Thomas, who had anger issues, discipline him in a way that his brother felt was not appropriate.

Deputies then contacted Sheboygan Falls police in an attempt to locate and apprehend McCue. An investigator who went to his home said that all the windows were covered with pillowcases and that while a dog was barking inside the house and McCue’s truck was home, no one answered the door.

McCue was later arrested and given a $7,500 bond. His initial appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court is set for Sept. 17.