Maine father pardoned, cleared of wrongdoing after being accused of abusing infant son

BATH, Maine —
A Maine father has been pardoned nearly five years after being accused of abusing his infant son.

Brandon Ross had said a medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was the cause of his son's injuries. It is a genetic condition that causes bones to be abnormally susceptible to fractures.

Former Gov. Paul LePage pardoned Ross on Dec. 31, 2018. Ross had petitioned the governor for clemency.

The Rosses received notice of the pardon this week.

Former WMTW News 8 reporter Katie Thompson broke the story in 2014 and spoke with experts and advocates who said the condition is common and significantly underdiagnosed.

In April 2014, a trip to the doctor led to Ross facing 12 serious charges of child abuse for fractures found on his then 2-month-old son, Ryder Ross.

Doctors in Boston, Ohio and Illinois then diagnosed Ryder with a genetic metabolic bone disease, most likely Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

In May 2015, while living in foster care, a follow up X-ray revealed at least one new fracture in Ryder's wrist.

The state refused to accept the diagnosis, after the fracture was found while Ryder was in state custody.

Later that year, Brandon Ross took a plea deal. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges and the case was closed.

In November 2015, a judge dismissed the child protection case against the Rosses, allowing them to be reunited with their two children.

The Ross family is still together -- and growing.