Man accused of child abuse and torture – pretrial

MARQUETTE — The man accused of severely injuring a baby back in June will likely stand trial next month.

27-year-old Nicholas Racine appeared in Marquette County Circuit Court for a pretrial hearing this morning.

Prosecutor Matt Wiese told Judge Jennifer Mazzuchi that the two sides are still working on a plea agreement, but a deal has yet to be reached. Michigan State Police troopers arrested Racine back in June on charges of first-degree child abuse and torture.

Racine is accused of injuring a three-month old infant. The child was treated for multiple rib fractures, hemorrhages, bruises, and bite marks at the University of Michigan.

If a plea agreement is not reached, Racine is scheduled for a four-day jury trial beginning December 1st.