Brookings Man Arrested for Infant Abuse

Jay Roe - Brookings Radio - The initial report of suspected child abuse was called in Tuesday (Oct. 14) afternoon. Brookings Police said they began an investigation and found that Bailey D. Melchor had subjected his three-month old daughter to abuse by allegedly throwing, striking, squeezing and choking her.

Police arrested Melchor and charged him with felony abuse or cruelty to a minor under age seven, as well as felony aggravated battery of an infant. Brookings County State's Attorney Dan Nelson added three counts of aggravated assault in addition to the felony child abuse and aggravated battery charges.

Nelson said Melchor appeared in Brookings County Court this morning (Oct. 16) before Judge Bob Pesall, and bond was set at $10,000. The state's attorney office said they had argued for a higher bond, but the judge denied that request.

The infant was taken to Brookings Hospital, then transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital where she is being treated for a possible brain hemorrhage and multiple rib fractures.

As of this morning (Oct. 16), Melchor was listed as an inmate at the Brookings County Detention Center.

Brookings police say they are continuing to investigate.