by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
A Sartell man has been accused of third-degree physical assault against a 5-month-old boy.
The incident allegedly happened Dec. 29
According to the complaint, Brandon Taylor Roske, 22, first told investigators he had placed the child on a marble countertop in the home so he could change the boy’s diapers. Roske then said when he reached for towels he heard a loud “thud” sound and figured the boy had “headbutted” himself on the countertop.
A doctor disputed that version, saying there was redness and bruises on the boy’s temple and left eye and they were likely caused by a blow to the face or head by a hand, not a “headbutt.”
After the doctor’s report, the Stearns County Child Protection team filed a child-maltreatment report, and that result caused the arrest of Roske.
Roske’s next court appearance is set for Feb. 12.
He was arrested Jan. 3 and was released after a Jan. 4 court appearance with restrictive conditions that include not visiting the victim’s residence or having any contact with the victim. Bail was set at $10,000.
Third-degree physical assault against a victim under 4-years old is punishable by five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Brandon Taylor Roske