Brandon Haas imprisoned again for breach of release offense in Delaware case involving child's death

By Craig Anderson
Posted 12/2/21

GEORGETOWN — For the second time in eight months, a 40-year-old man indicted following the death of a child whose remains were found in Smyrna in 2019 has been imprisoned on a breach of release …

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Brandon Haas imprisoned again for breach of release offense in Delaware case involving child's death

Posted

GEORGETOWN — For the second time in eight months, a 40-year-old man indicted following the death of a child whose remains were found in Smyrna in 2019 has been imprisoned on a breach of release offense, according to a Superior Court docket.

On Wednesday, Brandon L. Haas was taken into custody on a capias warrant and then held at Sussex Correctional Institution in default of a $26,000 cash bond. Superior Court Judge Noel Eason Primos had granted the warrant following a breach of release report on Nov. 23.

On May 4, Mr. Haas was taken into custody, as well, after a breach of release warrant request was entered on April 30.

Mr. Haas was indicted April 5 for allegedly abusing Emma Grace Cole, who was discovered dead at the Smyrna-Clayton Little Lass Softball field on Sept. 13, 2019. She was 3 years old, according to law enforcement.

Mr. Haas has been charged with six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, child abuse and hindering prosecution. The Delaware Department of Justice said earlier he could face a maximum of 45 years in prison.

Also indicted was Mr. Haas’ wife, Kristie L. Haas, 29, Emma’s biological mother. Mr. Haas was the child’s stepfather. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Ms. Haas faces the potential of life in prison for charges including murder by abuse (two counts), second-degree assault, first-degree child abuse, hindering prosecution, reckless burning, abuse of a corpse, and endangering the welfare of a child (six counts). She is being held at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $200,000 cash bail.

The trial of the co-defendants is scheduled to start on Sept. 6, 2022. It is expected to be a two- to-three week proceeding, the docket said. A backup trial date is set for Dec. 5, 2022.

On June 24, Judge Primos issued a gag order muting defense and prosecution attorneys from making public comments on the case. The judge noted there had “been extensive media coverage and interest” regarding the case.

In the earlier breach of release case, Mr. Haas posted a $45,000 cash bail on July 7 and was released, according to records. He was on pre-trial home confinement under the supervision of Probation and Parole, according to the Delaware Department of Correction.

According to the DOC, a probation officer filed the breach of release, alleging that Mr. Haas had violated multiple terms of his supervision. After turning himself in to the Delaware State Police, the DOC said, Smyrna police took custody of Mr. Haas and transported him to SCI.

On Feb. 11, a probation and parole officer filed a progress report that said, according to court documents, “If defendant continues to test positive for drugs or alcohol a breach of release should be submitted.”

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