Thursday, December 25, 2025
37.0°F

Pair pleads guilty to child abuse

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 6 months AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | June 17, 2022 1:07 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — A man and woman accused of grievously harming an infant have pleaded guilty to the abuse.

Nicholas T. Branson, 26, of Hayden, pleaded guilty this week to injury to a child and forcible sexual penetration by foreign object, both felonies.

He must undergo a psychosexual evaluation prior to sentencing, which is scheduled for August.

Branson remains in jail on $250,000 bail.

In late March, 26-year-old Hayden resident Hailey N. Harris pleaded guilty to felony injury to a child for what police said was her role in the abuse.

Her sentencing is scheduled for next week. She is being held on $100,000 bail.

The pair were arrested in January after a month-long investigation by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, prompted by a report of a 7-week-old infant with “traumatic” injuries.

The child reportedly sustained at least 14 fractures, as well as internal damage and genital trauma.

When interviewed by police, Harris reportedly admitted to causing some of the child’s injuries, while Branson told police he injured and sexually abused the child.

The child’s current condition in unknown.

Felony injury to a child is punishable by up to 10 years behind bars, while forcible sexual penetration carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

photo

Branson

photo

Harris

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

December 25, 2025 1 a.m.

Rathdrum police seek victims amid burglary investigation

Rathdrum police arrested a suspect Tuesday who they believe to be involved in multiple burglaries, according to a news release.

BLM: Migrating eagle population peaked early this year
December 25, 2025 1 a.m.

BLM: Migrating eagle population peaked early this year

The annual migration of bald eagles to Lake Coeur d’Alene to feed on spawning kokanee is past its peak, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

North Idaho ski areas open after slow start
December 24, 2025 1 a.m.

North Idaho ski areas open after slow start

Amid challenges like warm temperatures and strong winds that caused power outages across the region, all three ski areas in North Idaho are open, though operations are limited in some cases.