Bariames may be released if residence he is to live at is confirmed

A Stateline man charged with child abuse and neglect of his infant son could be released from jail if he can post the $20,000 bail.

Authorities must first verify his living arrangements.

District Judge Michael Gibbons approved a bail reduction from $200,000 to $20,000, stating he did not think 36-year-old George Bariames represents a flight risk, especially since the man hopes to eventually be reunited with his son Nicholas.

"There is no guarantee he will be convicted," Gibbons said. "I don't have any indication he's not going to follow the order of the court. He does not look like he's a threat to the public nor a threat to the child."

Bariames pleaded not guilty to child neglect at an arraignment Jan. 29. Derrick Lopez, his attorney, stressed Bariames will return for the trial, scheduled for April 22.

Lopez said Nicholas' neglect was the result of several days of delusion or delirium of Bariames' part prior and up to Sept. 21 when sheriff's deputies checked the apartment. Nicholas was found malnourished and taken to a hospital.

"(There was) no indication or evidence he intended any harm to Nicholas," Lopez said. "He wants to be able to reunite with Nicholas."

Now 14 months old, Nicholas is living with his maternal grandmother.

The District Attorney's Office opposed the reduction.

"There's more to it than just the defendant returning," Deputy District Attorney Mark Jackson said in court Monday. "He's facing 20 years in prison. It has been referred to that he may suffer some sort of delirium or delusion. Now that he knows the whereabouts of the child, there would be nothing to prevent him from picking up the child."

Despite Jackson's argument, Gibbons reduced Bariames' bail to $20,000 cash or bond, on the stipulation that his plans to live with a relative in Las Vegas be verified.

"Lake's Crossing (a psychiatric facility in Reno) did not recommend any treatment," Gibbons said in his decision. "Their conclusion is he is competent and the delirium is from that time frame. How do you feel, Mr. Bariames?"

"I feel fine, your honor."

"Do you feel like you are suffering from any type of delusions?"

"Not at the moment, sir."

The District Attorney's Office set seven stipulations for Bariames to follow upon his release, including that he be under house arrest and he have no contact with Nicholas or the boy's grandmother.

Bariames' deceased wife, Debbie, also was found in their Stateline apartment. A toxicology report released in early December revealed she died of severe dehydration. Her husband is not charged in her death.