Jesse Vang (Photo courtesy Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A charge of child neglect will stand against the man who was caring for 3-year-old Elijah Vue before he went missing, a judge ruled Thursday.
Jesse Vang is charged with one count of being party to chronic neglect of a child. He is not charged in connection with Vue’s disappearance.
Thursday marked the first time Vang appeared in-person at the Manitowoc County Courthouse.
Two detectives answered multiple questions regarding their findings in the case of neglect related to missing three-year-old, Elijah Vue.
Lieutenant Detective Jacob Glaser spoke in length regarding two photos allegedly uncovered after searching cell phones belonging to Vang and Katrina Baur, Elijah’s mother.
Both of those photos are sealed and are currently unavailable to the public.
One photo from February 14, which had been deleted from Baur’s phone, allegedly shows Elijah blindfolded and with multiple bruises.
“The photograph depicts victim child one wearing what is believed to be a blindfold and appears to have bruising to his cheek, neck and arm area,” said Glaser on the stand.
The criminal complaint states GPS data shows the photo was taken inside Vang’s Two Rivers apartment.
The second photo allegedly shows Elijah standing in a corner with his back to the camera. His diaper appears to be full. Vang allegedly sent that photo through Facebook Messenger.
Timothy Hogan, one of Vang’s attorney’s, questioned authorities about if any bruising was observed in that photo.
“Are you able to observe any sort of brusing or any other injuries in that photograph?,” asked Hogan.
“I cannot,” Glaser replied.
After testimony from two law enforcement officers, Judge Robert Dewane ruled there was enough evidence to move the case forward. Dewane also denied a defense motion to drop the charges.
Vang is due back in court April 16 to enter a plea.
Meanwhile Katrina Baur, Vue’s mother, faces child neglect charges. She had placed Vue with Vang to care for him and teach him discipline, according to the criminal complaints.
Vue disappeared more than a month ago from a residence in Two Rivers. An Amber Alert was subsequently issued.
Local, state and federal authorities, including community volunteers, have searched areas throughout Northeast Wisconsin to find the child. Earlier in the investigation, the child’s blanket was found along Goodwin Road in the town of Manitowoc.
Police have asked the public to check surveillance cameras for video of a beige Nissan Altima that may be connected to the case.
Anything found that may be related to the case should be reported by calling 1-844-267-6648 or through Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers online.
Rewards totaling $40,000 are being offered in the case.
Elijah Vue is described as having dark blond hair and brown eyes. He is about three feet tall, weighs about 45 pounds and has a birthmark on his left knee.
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