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Sexually Assaulted Marion Boy in Critical Condition

By Beacon Staff

A 9-month-old Marion boy who was sexually assaulted Saturday evening remains in critical condition at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

The baby’s mother said her boyfriend, 20-year-old Shane Phillip Nickerson, volunteered to watch the child. But shortly after he began caring for him, he woke her up and told her something was wrong. She saw bruising on the child’s head and blood in his diaper and asked Nickerson to take them to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Upon medical examination at both KRMC and Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, it was determined the child had been sexually assaulted. Only Nickerson, the mother and her child were present at Nickerson’s Marion cabin when the assault occurred.

On Monday, Nickerson was charged with four felonies, including sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated assault, sexual assault and criminal endangerment. Justice Court Judge David M. Ortley set his bail at $750,000. His arraignment is set for Aug. 28.

Nickerson is detained at the Flathead County Detention Center.

Sheriff’s detectives are in Spokane working alongside Spokane’s Major Crimes Unit in this ongoing investigation.