Man charged with abuse

A man who was left to care for his girlfriend's 5-year-old daughter while she served in Iraq has been charged with child abuse.

Police say the girl only weighed between 12 and 13 pounds when they were first alerted earlier this month. The girl was being cared for at Primary Children's Medical Center on Wednesday. Her condition was not known because of federal hospital privacy rules.

Michael John Bowden, 25, was charged Tuesday with second-degree felony child abuse. He was scheduled to make an initial appearance in court this morning.

Bowden's girlfriend, who asked police Wednesday not to release her or her daughter's name, left to serve in Iraq about 10 months ago, said West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan. She gave Bowden legal power of authority to watch over her daughter while she was away. The girl weighed about 30 pounds when her mother left.

Bowden is not the girl's father.

The little girl's grandfather tried several times to see her during that time but was unsuccessful. He finally tracked Bowden down on Aug. 18 at his house near 6300 West and 3300 South, McLachlan said.

"He noticed the little girl had lost a considerable amount of weight and was concerned for her safety," he said.

The grandfather called police and paramedics.

The young girl did have a previous medical condition, which McLachlan did not disclose. Paramedics noted the girl was extremely emaciated but otherwise had good vital signs, McLachlan said. They strongly suggested Bowden take the girl to the hospital, but McLachlan said the man refused, signing a release statement at the home.

Four days later, on Aug. 22, the grandfather obtained an ex parte protective order. He went back to the house with police, McLachlan said. The grandfather took the child to the hospital and Bowden was arrested, McLachlan said.

"It was apparent that her nutritional requirements were not being met," he said.

There were no other signs of abuse on the girl, McLachlan said.

The Division of Child and Family Services also had an open case on Bowden concerning the child, but McLachlan said Wednesday he didn't know the identity of the complainant.

After the child was taken to the hospital, West Valley police worked with the Red Cross and some military channels to get in touch with the mother and let her know the condition of her daughter was very serious.

The mother returned to Utah and was reunited with her daughter, he said.

West Valley police are now taking contributions to help mom and her daughter.

"It has really touched a lot of officers in this department."

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com