Day care operator says agent tricked her into false confession

A former day-care operator from Huntley repeatedly denied admitting to allegations she caused about 40 rib fractures to an infant in her care, telling a court Thursday that a U.S. Secret Service agent tricked her into making a false confession.

Testifying at a hearing to determine whether her incriminating statements should be barred from trial, Eva Walton said she wrote a statement saying she harmed the 2 -month-old boy at the request of a federal agent who told her it was necessary to prepare for a scheduled lie-detector test.

"I didn't confess to anything," Walton, 34, said. "I did what I was told to do. Then he said I had confessed."

Whether a judge believes her could be crucial for Walton's hopes of avoiding a six to 30-year prison sentence on a charge of aggravated battery to a child. Authorities allege Walton caused the boy's rib fractures, along with a burned tongue and a broken leg, in May 2005 while he was in her home-based day-care center.

The boy since has recovered without any apparent permanent injuries, a lawyer for his parents has said.

Walton's testimony Thursday contrasted sharply with that of Secret Service Agent Brad Beeler, who had met with her May 26, 2005, ostensibly to perform a polygraph examination as part of an investigation into the infant's injuries.

During routine pretest questioning, Beeler testified earlier this week, Walton broke down crying and admitted she caused the boy's rib fractures and other injuries. After making the admission, Walton agreed to put her confession in writing, Beeler said.

Judge Joseph Condon said Thursday he would rule Sept. 29 on whether Walton confessed voluntarily and if prosecutors could use the statements when she goes to trial, now scheduled for Jan. 5.