COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners formally approved a request during Tuesday’s regular meeting for $2,500 so that the defense in the Branch County Circuit Court case of 24-year-old James William Smith of Sherwood can retain a medical expert during Smith’s upcoming trial.
Smith is facing two counts of second degree child abuse following a Michigan State Police investigation into alleged incidents involving a seven month old boy last June.
Commissioner Don Vrablic said this would be a flat fee for the expert to do research and appear at the trial which is scheduled to start April 23, 2019.
Smith is indigent and is being represented by court appointed attorney J.R. Colbeck. Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady says the request is being made in order to provide the defendant with an appropriate defense.
Also during Tuesday’s Commissioners meeting, Kappi Cox was honored for her 30 years of service for the county.
