Judge won't release child abuse suspect

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl refused Wednesday to lower the $25,000 cash bail for a 28-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man accused of causing multiple fractures and other injuries to his five-month old son.

Jeremy Taylor and Marie Youmans, 27, the baby's mother, appeared before EnEarl on Wednesday. Their attorneys said negotiations were continuing in the case and asked for a preliminary hearing Aug. 13.

Lawyer Derrick Lopez asked EnEarl to lower Taylor's bail or release him on his own recognizance.

"He has lived here his entire life and has no criminal convictions," Lopez said.

"His parents are here and he has a brother, a 10-year-old son and his infant son. He has a lot of ties to the community and has never lived anywhere else," he said.

Lopez said Taylor was not a threat to the community or a flight risk.

Taylor and Youmans were arrested July 11 after they took the baby to Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare for what they said was a rash.

An emergency room doctor said the infant suffered multiple fractures, burns and bruises indicating a lengthy pattern of abuse.

The parents denied harming the child who has been released from the hospital and is in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Taylor and Young each are accused of felony child abuse or neglect causing substantial bodily harm from May 1-July 11.

If convicted, the charge carries punishment ranging from probation up to 20 years in prison.

The complaint says the suspects caused or permitted the child to suffer fractures to his skull, arms and ribs, multiple abrasions and bruising throughout the body, and burns to his buttocks, legs and or feet.

Prosecutor Laurie Trotter opposed any reduction in bail or Taylor's release.

"These are very serious charges," Trotter said. "The doctor who examined the child said he suffered physical injuries indicating a long and ongoing pattern of abuse and neglect. The evidence is that the two caregivers of the child are the parents."

Lopez said his client had not been convicted and has nowhere to go.

"He doesn't pose any danger to the community," Lopez said. "He has children he loves and wants to be with."

EnEarl said Lopez's statements were factual.

"But the allegations are extremely serious," EnEarl said. "The bail remains."

Youmans did not request any change in her bail status.

EnEarl set their next hearing for Aug. 4.