An Edgecomb man has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly striking a 20-month-old toddler in the face and pulling his arm, causing broken bones, according to a Dec. 12 Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Matthew Grasser Jr., 21, of Edgecomb, was arrested and brought to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset on Dec. 9. Bail was set at $2,500. As of this posting, he remains in custody.
The toddler was placed with his aunt and her boyfriend, Grasser, by Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services. The toddler was previously removed from his mother’s custody in Portland because she was homeless and in a relationship that involved domestic violence, Lt. Michael Murphy told The Lincoln County News.
According to the LCSO press release, the toddler was taken to LincolnHealth – Miles Campus in Damariscotta on Friday, Dec. 5 due to a swollen elbow. After an examination it was determined the toddler’s arm was broken just below the elbow. The toddler was later transferred to Spurwink Clinic in Portland for further evaluation.
Spurwink Clinic subsequently identified various bruises in different phases of healing and determined they were the result of physical abuse, the press release stated.
According to the press release, Grasser allegedly admitted to striking the toddler and pulling the child’s arm because he was crying. The child also had extensive bruising to his face, torso, and arms.
The investigation, under the direction of LCSO Detective Sergeant Ron Rollins, is ongoing and further charges are expected, according to the press release.
The Department of Health and Human Service has returned the toddler to his mother and maternal grandparents because his mother now has a stable living environment and support system, Murphy said. Grasser’s court date is set for Jan. 29.
The Department of Health and Human Services could not be reached for comment.
