Probation in child endangering case

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YOUNGSTOWN — A Mahoning Avenue couple who pleaded guilty to reduced charges of child endangering have each been sentenced to three year’s probation.

Julie L. Exline, 29, and Peter J. Serbin, 48, pleaded guilty in September to endangering their 4-month-old son, Joseph Serbin, who suffered injuries including eye hemorrhaging, blood on his brain and a fractured skull between April 1 and May 5, 2003.

The couple was sentenced today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court by Judge Maureen A. Sweeney. The judge ordered that Exline also perform 100 hours community service.

Dawn Krueger, assistant county prosecutor, has described the symptoms as "classic symptoms of shaken baby syndrome."

Exline and Serbin would have faced two to eight years in prison on the original second degree felony level charge, but faced probation to 18 months in prison on the reduced fourth degree felony charge, Krueger said when the couple pleaded guilty. Krueger added that she would recommend probation for the couple; and the boy's guardian, who is seeking permanent custody of the child, was in agreement with that.

Krueger attributed delays in the case to changes of defense lawyers and Serbin's health problems.