COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Sherwood man has been charged with two counts of child abuse following a Michigan State Police investigation into alleged incidents involving a seven month old boy in June.
24-year-old James William Smith was booked Thursday on a warrant at the Branch County Jail after he surrendered to charges of second and third degree child abuse.
He was later released after posting a $50,000 bond.
The State Police began investigating after they got information from doctors that the infant suffered “non-accidental” head trauma.
The baby was first transported to Bronson Battle Creek by Life Care ambulance and then transferred to Bronson Hospital where he was treated by the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
According to court documents, Smith allegedly picked the baby up too fast after getting upset while changing its diaper. Smith was also accused of dropping the youngster while carrying the boy.
His arraignment in Branch County District Court has not been scheduled yet.
The Michigan State Police was assisted by Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety as well as the Kalamazoo and Branch County Department of Human Services.
