Man accused of causing Cedar Rapids baby's skull fracture

A Cedar Rapids man faces up to 50 years in prison after he admitted to striking a baby in the head multiple times.

Nicholas R. Watson, 23, of 137 29th St. Dr. SE, has been charged with child endangerment after his arrest Thursday. According to a criminal complaint, he is accused of striking a 10-month-old boy on at least three separate occasions, causing a skull fracture and bruising. Authorities said the child is the son of Watson's girlfriend.

Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden said police were notified Nov. 4 by an employee at the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. Workers there expressed concern about bruises on the boy when arrived with his mother.

The Department of Human Services was also involved in the investigation, and a warrant was issued for Watson's arrest. He was taken into custody Thursday in Cedar Rapids.

"The defendant admitted during questioning that he struck the child in the head on at least three separate occasions and that he had used force sufficient to cause a skull fracture to the child," according to a criminal complaint.

Doctors confirmed the skull fracture, but there was no evidence of a brain injury, Vander Sanden said.

Under Iowa law, defendants face stiffer penalties for child abuse when there are multiple acts of abuse or if the actions result in a skeletal injury.

"There is a special provision in this type of child abuse which makes it a Class B felony, where a 50-year sentence is applicable," Vander Sanden said.

Watson was taken to the Linn County Jail, where he remained Tuesday in lieu of $15,000 cash bond.