Bond for a Cozad mother charged with Felony Child Abuse has been set at 10% of $500,000 in Dawson County Court. Jasmine Hopkins was arraigned in Dawson County Court on Wednesday. She is alleged to have committed child abuse from when her son was born on December 6, 2023 through February 14, 2024 when the baby was reported as unresponsive and transported to Cozad Community Hospital with what was described as “significant injuries”.
A few days after the baby was hospitalized, Hopkins was interviewed by a Dawson County Sheriff’s investigator about pictures of injuries on the baby’s back. The investigator believed the pictures depicted second or third degree burns on his entire back, butt and the back of his neck. In an interview, Hopkins alleged the baby was in the shower with her boyfriend and baby’s father, Draven Haynes, when he handed her the baby. About 10 to 15 minutes later, blisters started appearing on the baby’s back. Hopkins said she wanted to take the baby to the hospital for treatment but, acquiesced to Haynes’ insistence that they not do that. Hopkins then treated the burns with antibiotic ointment, burn cream and gauze but, never took him to the hospital.
Draven Haynes, age 23, has been charged with Felony Child Abuse in connection with the baby as well. He is being held on 10% of $1 Million bond. He is scheduled for arraignment in Dawson County District Court on April 9, 2024. Hopkins’ next hearing in Dawson County Court is set for March 13, 2024 at 11:00am.
In a previous hearing, a prosecutor cited physician reports that the infant is mostly brain dead and on life support. He continued that no improvement in brain function is expected and he is also not expected to live.
