PAINESVILLE, OH — A Lake County man charged in connection with the horrific abuse of a Willowick toddler pleaded guilty to five counts of endangering children Friday.
Cameron Dryer, 24, admitted he ignored signs his girlfriend's daughter, Makenna Rae Kvoriak, was being physically abused inside the Willowick home the couple shared.
In court, prosecutors listed the injuries the little girl sustained between March and late May 2024, including a broken collarbone, tibia, a broken rib, "seriously disfiguring bruising," and a brain injury.
"Had the case proceeded to trial, the state would have provided evidence that the injuries described in each of the five counts when discovered, were in varying stages of healing, thereby showing that they occurred in separate, distinct occasions," said Assistant Prosecutor Carolyn Mulligan.
Both Dryer and his attorney declined to comment after the guilty pleas Friday.
Makenna's mother, Megan Bayko, was convicted in the case and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Dryer also faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine when he's sentenced in June.
Until then, Dryer remains free on bond.
Makenna's paternal grandparents said even if he gets the maximum, they believe it won't be enough.
"No, because Makenna's is forever," said Jennifer Kvoriak. "She is determined. She is a happy little girl. But it's lifelong. She will deal with this for the rest of her life."
Kvoriak and her husband are raising their granddaughter.
They said she still deals with a loss of sight, has to be fed through a tube and can't walk on her own as a result of her injuries.
"So when most two-and-a-half year olds are getting tricycles, she's getting a wheelchair because of what was done to her," said Kvoriak. "So you can understand it's frustrating."
