Cody Patterson at his Oct. 5, 2026, arraignment on child abuse charges out of Hazel Park, Michigan.

HAZEL PARK, Mich. - An Oakland County father learned how long he could possibly spend in prison on accusations that he purposefully injured his 4-week-old son to the point of breaking multiple bones.

Cody Patterson, 20, of Hazel Park, was arraigned Monday afternoon, Oct. 5, 2026, on three counts of second-degree child abuse.


What happened to the baby?

Police said they were called to a home in Hazel Park on Oct. 1. When they got there, the baby showed pain in his right shoulder and bruises above his left eye, they said.

Officers took the baby to a nearby hospital for treatment. They said they later learned from hospital staff that the baby had multiple fractures, including in both arms, legs, and ribs.

Police said those injuries were at different stages of healing, which suggests they didn't all happen at the same time.

Patterson told officers that he gets frustrated and can't cope with the baby crying, according to authorities. He also said he took the baby into the bathroom and injured the baby's limbs, police said.

Patterson was arrested at the hospital, where the baby remains. Child Protective Services was called.

What is Cody Patterson accused of?

Oakland County Magistrate Michael G. Mitchell said the first two child abuse charges are linked to allegations that Patterson intentionally forced the baby's arms into a painful position and/or squeezed his arms while they were in a painful position.

The third charge is linked to the same allegation, but with the baby's legs.

 One of the more abhorrent cases I've read,  Mitchell said.  Certainly seems to me that there is an extremely high likelihood of conviction. 

How long could Cody Patterson spend in prison?

Each count of second-degree child abuse carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

So, if convicted, Patterson could face up to 30 years in prison on these current charges.

Does Cody Patterson have a criminal history?

The prosecutor said during Patterson's arraignment that he is currently on pr

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