Dad Charged With Abuse Of 3-Week-Old Girl; 18 Broken Bones
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) - A Macomb County man is behind bars, charged with abusing his infant daughter.
Lance Finner, 29, is being held on a $2 million bond following a hearing Saturday in 41-A District Court of Sterling Heights
Sheriff's deputies were called to Children's Hospital on Halloween after hearing from a social worker and staff about a 3-week old-girl who had several broken bones.
After detectives spoke with both parents, they determined that the girl's father was caring for the baby in their Mount Clemens home when she was injured.
Finner was arrested Friday on a charge of first degree child abuse.
Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the baby remains hospitalized on Monday.
"This poor infant had over 18 broken bones," Wickersham said. "And only being three weeks old ... right now we don't have a clear idea of what exactly happened in the home; all we know is that he was in charge of care and custody and was watching the child."
"The injuries that this poor child sustained just makes you cringe when you think about it," Wickersham added. " ... We've had too many children that are being abuse, being hurt, you know; being killed while somebody is watching them."
The $2 million bond was continued at a formal arraignment on Monday afternoon in 41B District Court of Clinton Township, where a not guilty plea was entered on Finner's behalf.
Some family members present at the hearing defended Finner; his aunt saying he didn't do it, and it's all "a nightmare."
The baby's uncle told reporters the infant is fine and that there's no evidence that the child was hurt by anybody.
Finner could spend up to life in prison if convicted.
