Ronan man accused of assaulting baby

POLSON - A 30-year-old Ronan man accused of assaulting his eight-month-old son as well as his wife remained in custody in Lake County Jail last week.

Jefferson W. Bowden now faces multiple charges: felony assault on a minor; two counts of misdemeanor partner or family member assault; misdemeanor criminal mischief; and misdemeanor unlawful restraint.

He was due to be arraigned last Thursday, but the arraignment was postponed until Oct. 6 in District Judge C. B. McNeil's court.

Deputy County Attorney Mark A. Russell, prosecutor in the case, told Judge Kim Christopher last Thursday that Bowden has a "lengthy criminal history."

Defense attorney Ben Anciaux asked the court for a reduction in bail, but that request was denied.

Judge Christopher said her intention is to "protect that baby."

Bond is still set at $50,000, and Bowden has been ordered to have no contact with his wife or his child.

According to a court affidavit filed by Russell, the charges stem from a Sept. 2, 2004 domestic dispute during which the female victim alleges that Bowden grabbed her by the neck.

Officers on the scene observed the eight-month-old baby bleeding from his hand, the court file states. The officers noted that the baby's fingers had been partially severed, according to the affidavit.

The female alleged assault victim told police that Bowden allegedly held her against her will, and that she ran into a bedroom. According to her, the defendant allegedly kicked in the door, allegedly grabbed her by the neck, and then allegedly threatened to kill her and their baby son.

The affidavit states that the woman recalled Bowden allegedly pulled the baby's hand and that he allegedly slammed the baby's hand into the door. She also told police that she feared that the defendant would hurt or kill both her and the baby.