A Staten Island father stands accused of forcing his naked 9-year-old son into an oven because he believed the boy stole from his wallet, according to a report.
"I'm going to burn you alive!" 52-year-old James Moss, of Graniteville, allegedly shrieked at his son before shoving him into the oven and slamming the door, according to court papers obtained by The Staten Island Advance.
Authorities told the paper the enraged father didn't turn the oven on with the terrified child inside, but he did allegedly turn on the stove burner and hold the boy's hands over it for at least 120 seconds, inflicting second- and third-degree burns on the child.
The victim was taken to Staten Island University Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The horrific fracas apparently began at around 9 p.m. Wednesday when the 6"3' Moss accused the cowering child of rummaging through his wallet. Moss told cops he believed tossing the boy in the oven was just punishment for the alleged crime; he also allegedly told police he whacked the boy in the back with a spatula and slapped his face.
“My son stole some money from my wallet and I burnt him and burnt his hand on the stove,” Moss told cops, according to court papers obtained by the Advance.
Moss was charged with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. He didn't make bail and is in custody at Rikers Island. The name of his attorney wasn't immediately available.
