Oakland County father charged with shaking infant son, held on $1M bond
SPRINGFIELD TWP, MICH (Fox 2) - The father of a 2-month-old boy was charged with nearly causing his death from shaking him, and is being held on a $1 million bond in Oakland County.
Daniel Charles Gracer, 31, was charged with first-degree child abuse for allegedly shaking his infant son and causing "near fatal" injuries, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
The charge carries up to a life sentence if convicted.
"Children are such a blessing and gift, and it is hard for me to ever understand how someone can intentionally injure a child," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "We look forward to this individual being held fully accountable."
The incident happened Dec. 23 at a house in the 7000 block of Meadow Lane in Springfield Township.
When sheriff's deputies arrived to the house, the infant was unresponsive. The child was taken to one hospital, then transferred to another due to severe head and brain trauma.
A child abuse specialist at the hospital determined the injuries were "non-accidental." The specialist further concluded the brain injury was due to rapid acceleration and rapid deceleration, consistent with being shaken. The trauma was nearly fatal, and the child is likely to have severely delayed development.
Gracer was arrested Friday, and arraigned Feb. 8. He is due back in court for a probable cause conference Feb. 18.
Attorney Statement:
Gracer's attorney, Mark Satawa, says the allegations against him are false and reckless:
"The statement made by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department is completely and utterly reckless, in light of the current procedural position of this case, as well as the facts behind this allegation. At this point, the allegations against Mr. Gracer are just that, allegations. Mr. Gracer is presumed innocent, unless and until convicted beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The child involved in this case was hospitalized twice in a 10 day period. The first incident, Mr. Gracer was not taking care of the infant that day, and had not been around the infant for several hours. The parents took the child to the hospital, and were released the next day. Then, 10 days later, the baby had a similar episode with the exact same symptoms. Mr. Gracer had been watching the child for only 10 minutes before the baby became symptomatic, and he immediately called 911 for medical assistance. Mr. Gracer is an innocent man – these charges are false, without basis, and he looks forward to fighting this case in a court of law, and not in the court of public opinion as driven by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department." - Mark Satawa.