An Effingham County man will stand trial next month in the case of a toddler who received life-threatening injuries at the hand of his mother.

Jury selection was held Wednesday in Effingham County Superior Court for Phillip Waller, whose oldest son Aiden was rushed to Memorial Health University Center in Savannah in January 2008, has been indicted for two counts of cruelty to children and a misdemeanor count of obstruction. Aiden’s mother, Tina Richards, is currently serving 30 years in prison — with 10 years of probation — after she pled guilty to charges of aggravated assault, aggravated battery and cruelty to children.

Waller is not being charged as an active participant in the mistreatment of his son.

“The state alleges he failed to report it and failed to seek medical care for his child,” said Ogeechee Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Michael Muldrew.

Waller’s trial is scheduled to start March 9. He was indicted last March and pled not guilty in April.

“He’s had the opportunity to plea (guilty), and he’s chosen not to enter a guilty plea at this time,” Muldrew said.