Sparta, Mich. — The Sparta dad accused of abusing his infant son may be taking a plea deal in the case.
Nineteen-year-old David Steiger appeared in Kent County Court Wednesday where he waived his preliminary hearing.
The Kent County prosecuting attorney indicated they were close to reaching a plea agreement with negotiations ongoing about sentencing.
“Your honor, it’s my understanding that the defendant will waive his preliminary examination here today to preserve the offer that he may plead guilty as charged to this count,” said Helen Brinkman, Senior Attorney with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, “And the prosecution will forego writing additional counts in this case.”
Steiger told FOX 17 he and his wife brought their son Jaxon to the hospital a few weeks ago after he noticed his son’s leg was sore.
However, when they took the infant in, hospital staff reported to police the child had 19 broken bones, including a leg bone.
Steiger said that leg injury may have happened during a diaper change when he heard the baby’s leg “pop” but he said it was an accident and didn’t realize his leg was broken.
He told FOX 17 he was sorry the incident happened and he hoped his wife would forgive him.
He was charged with first degree child abuse.
Although Steiger’s attorney requested that the judge lower his bond because the family has limited resources, the judge declined, saying he would need more information in the case.
The case will now head to Kent County circuit court.
