RICHMOND, Mo. (KCTV) - A weeks-old black eye found on a Richmond teenager has led to a child abuse charge filed against a man who was close to him.

Ray County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Thursday, Feb. 20, have revealed that Nicholas A. Gundlach, 21, of Richmond, has been charged with child abuse after treatment for a black eye was sought by a student at Richmond High School.

A probable cause statement filed by the Richmond Police Department indicated that on Wednesday, the victim’s grandmother brought the teenager in to report the crime.

Investigators said they found that on Jan. 8, Gundlach allegedly punched the teen in the face so hard it left him with a black eye and broke his glasses. Family members reported Gundlach was known to be violent and the delayed reporting was due to fear of retaliation.

The teenager reported he had been so fearful of Gundlach that he only sought treatment for his injuries a few days after the altercation with a school nurse. He has been charged with child abuse as a result and could face up to 7 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

As of Thursday, a warrant has not been issued in connection to the case. A court appearance has not yet been set. No further information has been released.