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 probation in Troy.
She said Patterson is out on a personal bond for aggravated domestic violence out of Warren, which makes him ineligible for a personal bond in this child abuse case.
Patterson was arraigned Sept. 23, 2026, on that domestic violence charge.
What is Cody Patterson’s bond?
Mitchell set Patterson’s bond at $500,000, or 10%, cash/surety.
If he’s released on bond, Patterson must follow these conditions:
No further criminal activity.
Don’t buy or consume alcohol or controlled substances without a prescription.
Don’t leave the state of Michigan.
Must be monitored by pretrial services.
Must abide by any mental treatment program as directed by pretrial services.
Have no contact with the alleged victim.
Have no contact with any children.
Stay at least 500 feet away from the home linked to the allegations in Hazel Park.
Don’t buy or possess guns or any dangerous weapons.
Exhibit no threatening or assaultive behavior.
Give the court a valid address.
What did Cody Patterson say during arraignment?
After he asked for clarification about bond, Patterson spoke to the magistrate, before being cut off and advised to remain silent.
“May I explain to you the things I do have going on at home and the things that I do have going wrong at home that I’m not getting the support from?” Patterson said.
At this point, he was advised by his attorney not to say anything. He didn’t speak again.
What’s next in the court process?
A not-guilty plea was entered on Patterson’s behalf.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Oct. 13, 2026, and a preliminary examination is tentatively scheduled for 12:55 p.m. Oct. 20, 2026.
The probable cause conference will be over Zoom, and the preliminary examination is in person, Mitchell said.
Watch full Cody Patterson arraignment
You can watch the full arraignment right here:
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