Man To Plead Guilty In Abuse Case That Led To Baby’s Death
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A man accused of failing to seek medical attention for his 20-month-old son who was repeatedly abused and died as a result of the physical mistreatment inflicted by his mother is scheduled to change his plea.
Francis Swan is expected to plead guilty to a felony child abuse charge Tuesday in federal court in Pierre. The charge stems from the October death of his son near Eagle Butte.
Authorities say Swan exposed the baby to the abuse of Jordyn Blue Coat — Swan’s wife and the baby’s mother — and didn’t attempt to provide treatment for the boy’s many injuries, including bone fractures and burns.
Swan’s felony charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Blue Coat pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and will be sentenced in April.