Man bound over on abuse charges

COEUR d’ALENE — The case of a man accused of grievously harming a 7-week-old infant has been referred to district court for further action.

Nicholas T. Branson, 26, of Hayden, is charged with felony injury to a child and with forcible sexual penetration by foreign object, both felonies.

Branson waived his right to a preliminary hearing in February. He is expected to enter a formal plea in late March.

He remains in jail on $250,000 bail.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Hayden resident Hailey N. Harris is charged with felony injury to a child for what police said was her role in the alleged abuse.

She is being held on $100,000 bail.

The purpose of bail is to ensure defendants appear in court.

In Idaho, defendants charged with a crime that is not punishable by death must be admitted to bail or released on their own recognizance.

Branson and Harris were arrested in January after a month-long investigation by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

KCSO responded to Kootenai Health in December after receiving a report of a 7-week-old infant with “traumatic” injuries.

The child reportedly remained hospitalized while police investigated.

A doctor who examined the child described brain injuries “very specific to abuse” and “not seen in accidental head injury.”

The child reportedly sustained at least 14 fractures, including multiple fractures to both legs.

Numerous rib fractures consistent with blunt force trauma or squeezing appeared to have occurred at different times.

Tests reportedly indicated liver damage, likely caused by trauma to the abdomen.

Medical staff also discovered trauma to the child’s genitals.

Police said the investigation indicates Branson and Harris caused the child’s injuries.

Evidence collected by police includes a bloody diaper and numerous text messages between Harris and Branson, according to court documents.

In early December, Harris reportedly sent Branson a string of messages about the infant: “She won’t stop ducking (sic) crying,” “I’m going to freak out,” “I cannot handle it anymore.”

When interviewed by police, Harris allegedly admitted to causing some of the injuries to the child’s limbs, torso and mouth.

Branson reportedly told police he injured and sexually abused the child.

A preliminary hearing for Harris is scheduled for March 10.

Felony injury to a child is punishable by up to 10 years behind bars, while forcible sexual penetration carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.