PHOENIX, ARIZONA (BNO NEWS) -- A Parker, Arizona man on Thursday was indicted by a federal grand jury in Phoenix for seriously injuring his 4-month-old son, prosecutors said.

Jerrod Darrell Aspa, 20, was charged with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and another count of child abuse. The defendant is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

On June 7, Aspa was watching his 4-month-old son while the toddler's mother was at work. According to the two-count indictment, the infant was crying and the defendant shook the child several times in an attempt to silence him.

After shaking the toddler, Aspa laid the 4-month-old baby down and leave him. The assault caused irreversible brain damage which was allegedly exacerbated as his father did not seek prompt medical treatment.

The investigation was conducted by the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If convicted, Aspa faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

(Copyright 2011 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: sales@bnonews.com.)