Maplewood Dad Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct Involving Baby

A 24-year-old Maplewood dad is charged with assault and criminal sexual conduct involving his 4-month-old son.

Errick Noe Rios, is charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct, two counts of assault, and one count of assault by strangulation.

According to the criminal complaint, July 25 Maplewood Police officers were sent to a home on County Road B in Maplewood for an infant welfare check.

When police arrived, they found the infant swaddled in layers of blankets and clothes inside a hot, muggy bedroom.

The baby boy had bruises on his face and belly, an apparent bite mark on his face, and scabs on his chest.

Rios initially told officers the baby had bruises because he tripped on a blanket while holding the baby, and had accidentally head-butted the baby with his nose. He said the scabs were from a rash, and the belly marks were from picking up the baby.

The baby was taken to Children's Hospital for an evaluation.

Rios' later provided a statement to the police department saying, "The reason he has bruises is because I hit him. He would not stop crying."

He said he had hit the baby about five to six times over the past few months, because he would not stop crying. Rios said he needs help managing his frustration and anger.

In a later interview with Ramsey County Child Protection and Maplewood Police, Rios admitted to biting the baby's face. He also said he would put the baby's mouth over the bathroom faucet and turn it on.

Rios said the baby would be so overwhelmed by the pain that he would fall asleep.

Aug. 4 Rios admitted to having sexual contact with the boy.

A physical examination revealed the baby had three cracked ribs that were in the process of healing, in addition to bruising and scratching.

Rios is currently being held on $75,000 bail.