COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners tabled a request until 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.
State Police began investigating after they got information from doctors that the infant suffered “non-accidental” head trauma. 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.
He 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.
Commissioner Don Vrablic moved to table the request to get more information from the judge after he raised questions to County Administrator Bud Norman as to how the money would be paid to expert witness Dr. Douglas Smith.
Norman told Vrablic it was his understanding the money would not be paid if the expert witness does not appear in court.
Commissioners can still take formal action on the request during their regular meeting on Tuesday.
James Smith’s trial is scheduled to start on April 23rd, 2019.
