How Could You? Hall of Shame-Matthew Grasser,Jr. UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Edgecomb, Maine, Kinship Carer Matthew Grasser,Jr.,21, was arrested “for allegedly abusing a 20-month-old boy.

Police say the infant was brought to Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta on Dec. 5 for an evaluation of a swollen elbow. It was determined that the child had extensive bruising to his face, torso and arms, and a broken arm below his elbow.

The Department of Health and Human Services relayed the information to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, “there was a delay in reporting to law enforcement as there was some confusion as where the child was actually residing.”

On Dec. 8, the Spurwink Clinic in Portland determined the injuries were the result of physical abuse.

According to authorities, the child had been staying with his aunt and her boyfriend, Grasser Jr., in Edgecomb after being removed from his mother’s care by DHHS.

Grasser admitted to investigators that struck the child because he was crying.

Grasser was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. He was taken to the Two Bridges Regional Jail.

DHHS has returned the child to the care of his mother and maternal grandparents.”

Man arrested, charged with abusing 20-month-old child in Edgecomb[Bangor Daily News 12/12/14 by CBS 13]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

 

Update:”An Edgecomb man who allegedly broke an infant’s arm has been indicted by the Lincoln County Grand Jury on felony assault charges.

Matthew Grasser Jr., 21, was indicted on a pair of felony assault charges after he allegedly broke the arm of a then-20-month-old-child.

The child was brought into Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta on Dec. 5 to have his left elbow checked out. According to the incident report, the child’s elbow was swollen, and he had “severe” bruising on his face, as well as bruises on his arms and back. It was later revealed that the child had a broken arm, just below his elbow.

The Department of Health and Human Services was notified, then the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was notified.

On Dec. 8, the child’s injuries were evaluated at Spurwink Clinic in Portland, which stated that the injuries likely occurred as a result from physical abuse.

The child was staying in Edgecomb following DHHS’ previous intervention to temporarily take custody away from the mother and grant it instead to the child’s aunt and Grasser.

Grasser reportedly admitted to having struck the child while the two were home alone because the child was crying. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s report, the broken bone was a result of the child’s arm being pulled.

Grasser was arrested then charged with Class B aggravated assault and Class C domestic violence against a child younger than six years of age, which were the same charges the Grand Jury indicted him for.

Class B crimes are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with potential fines of up to $20,000. Class C crimes are also felonies, and are punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. The child was returned to his mother and his maternal grandparents.”

Man who allegedly struck child indicted[Boothbay Register 3/25/15 by Ben Buckeley]