Michigan man faces child abuse charges

SPIRIT LAKE — William Henry Jordan, 65, is facing three court cases, all stemming from the alleged sexual abuse of a toddler in August 2021.

He also faced a charge of lewd conduct with a child and two persistent violator enhancement charges. His latest charge, felony injury to a child, was filed after what is called a “global plea” (in which a defendant with multiple cases pleads guilty in some with the understanding that the prosecution will drop charges in other cases).

Jordan is facing two felonies, the first for failure to register as a sex offender upon moving to Idaho and the second for felony injury to a child.

Jordan has previous convictions for child sex crimes in Michigan as well as Florida.

Jordan came to stay at a Spirit Lake residence for what was believed to be for a few days. At first, he was made to sleep in a vehicle on the property, but as Jordan’s visit extended into several according to court documents, the property owners felt bad for not letting him sleep in the trailer, according to court documents.

Jordan, who had been allowed at the home due to the family’s religious convictions, was kicked out after a series of suspicious incidents. He was seen touching himself while children looked for clothes at the residence. He was told to leave after he was seen grabbing a toddler, who is the victim, by the groin to lift them up.

While the victim was visiting family out of state, they told their relatives about a different incident.

According to the child, Jordan entered the parents’ bedroom (where the victim and a younger sibling were staying to avoid contact with the man). According to court documents, the victim said that he undid their pajama bottoms and began to “kiss” them in that area. The incident stopped when the rest of the family returned to the home.

The registry offense carries a ten-year sentence and a $5,000 fine. Jordan has already pleaded guilty to this charge, changing his plea in an agreement to drop other charges.

His other felony charge carries a 10-year prison sentence and a $50,000 fine if convicted.

For the court to convict in a case for felony injury to a child, Idaho law only specifies “bodily injury or death.” Mental harm is included in the description of misdemeanor injury to a child – unless the suspect enters a guilty plea.

Jordan has entered a binding plea agreement, according to mycourts.Idaho.gov. His arraignment, which had been scheduled for Sept. 29, has since been vacated. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6.