Indiana Man Faces Battery Charges After Allegedly Forcing Soap into a 7-Year-Old’s Mouth Over a Cuss Word

An Indiana man faces criminal domestic battery charges after allegedly attempting to shove a bar of soap into a 7-year-old child’s mouth for cursing, leaving the boy bloodied and bruised during an afternoon car ride.

Court records show Daniel Schergen was formally charged with Domestic Battery on a Person Less than 14 Years Old following the August incident. What began as a standard family errand quickly spiraled into a physical confrontation that drew law enforcement intervention.

The boy fought back against the punishment, resulting in noticeable trauma to his face and head.

What Happened Inside the Vehicle?

According to an affidavit, Schergen was traveling in a car with his girlfriend, the 7-year-old boy, and three other children. The group had just dropped off one child at football practice and was driving toward a Dunkin’ location.

During the drive, the 7-year-old reportedly began hitting another child seated in the vehicle without explanation. When Schergen reached back from the driver’s seat to stop the altercation, the child allegedly directed a severe profanity at him.

The Escalation at Dollar General

Rather than relying on verbal reprimands, Schergen decided on a physical disciplinary measure. He abruptly pulled the vehicle over at a local Dollar General store.

• Schergen directed his girlfriend to enter the store and purchase a bar of soap.
• Upon returning to the vehicle, Schergen attempted to force the soap directly into the 7-year-old’s mouth.
• The boy resisted, and during the struggle, Schergen allegedly struck the child’s forehead.
• The child began bleeding, prompting Schergen’s girlfriend to provide roadside first aid.

The physical clash left the child with multiple documented marks before authorities stepped in.

Documented Injuries and Schergen’s Statement

According to charging documents, the 7-year-old suffered a cut to his forehead, distinct redness across the right side of his face, and bruising on his ear.

When questioned by investigators, Schergen offered explanations for the visible marks. He stated that he did not know how the child sustained the ear bruise, but believed the facial redness stemmed from holding the boy’s head firmly down against the car’s leather seat.

Schergen also informed police that the child had previously faced school suspension for fighting and possessed a severe temper, which prompted him to seek an alternative form of punishment.

Legal Boundaries vs. Old-School Discipline

Many adults recall the threat of having their mouths washed out with soap as an archaic verbal warning from past generations. However, legal statutes establish clear boundaries where discipline crosses into criminal battery.

When an act results in physical trauma, cuts, or restricted movement that leaves documented bruising on a minor under 14, criminal courts treat the act as physical battery rather than protected parental discretion.

“The Constitution is a glorious document, preserving and protecting the rights of Americans. Under the Constitution, Mr. Schergen is innocent until proven guilty or admits guilt. As this is an ongoing case, I am unable to comment further,” LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan stated.

Records indicate Schergen was released after posting a $750 bond. His next court appearance is set for Jan. 6.

If you or someone you know suspects child abuse, confidential assistance is available 24/7 through the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child.

💬 Physical discipline cases involving severe reactions frequently spark intense debate across local communities.

📱 Where does the legal line fall between strict discipline and actionable domestic battery in modern courts?

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