COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Coldwater man is looking at life behind prison bars after he was charged with two counts of child abuse on Friday in connection with injuries sustained by a one year old child last fall.
Branch County Prosecutor Attorney Zach Stempien has charged 26-year-old Nicholas Platek with First Degree Child Abuse which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Platek has also been charged with Second Degree Child Abuse which has a maximum prison sentence of 10-years.
Prosecutors have also accused Platek of being an habitual offender which could double his prison time. Platek was convicted in 2017 of third degree child abuse and for being in possession of a controlled substance less than 25 grams
According to court documents, Coldwater Police were dispatched to a residence in the city on October 6 to assist in a potential child abuse investigation.
Police found out that the youngster suffered a severe head injury, a severe laceration to her lip, bruised organs, bruising on multiple parts of her body and several burns.
She was airlifted to Bronson Hospital in critical condition. She was treated there for her serious injuries.
Coldwater Police arrested Platek on Thursday and he was arraigned on Friday in Branch County District Court.
Bond has been set on the two child abuse counts at a total of $350,000. No contact orders were also issued should bond be posted.
A probable cause hearing was scheduled for January 19. The District Court preliminary examination is scheduled for January 26.
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