VINCENNES, Ind. – Off-duty indefinitely–a Vincennes police officer accused of child neglect.

The city’s Police Merit Commission voted Tuesday to make Robert “Ben” Hammond’s temporary suspension into an indefinite suspension.

Hammond and his wife, Kristi, are charged with child neglect and confinement. Prosecutors say the couple admitted to making their child sleep outside. Kristi Hammond is also charged with battery; prosecutors say she beat the child with a wooden spoon.

Robert Hammond will remain suspended until after a criminal investigation and trial.

He has 30 days to appeal.