Idaho Man Sentenced to 33 Years After Torturing Girlfriend’s 4-Year-Old Son With Cold Showers and Restraints

An Idaho man has been sentenced to 33 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of repeatedly abusing his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son, subjecting the little boy to severe punishments that left him with serious brain injuries and lasting trauma. Anthony Banker, 39, was convicted of four felony counts of injury to a child after prosecutors presented evidence documenting a disturbing pattern of abuse inside his home near Prichard, Idaho.

The investigation began in May 2025, when the child was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Medical professionals discovered two brain bleeds, a blood clot, dangerously low sodium levels and extensive bruising. Banker and the boy’s mother, Sage Bryant, initially offered an explanation that the child had fainted after taking a warm bath. However, medical findings raised concerns, prompting investigators to examine the couple’s phones and search for evidence of what had happened.

The digital evidence uncovered by investigators reportedly included videos, audio recordings and text messages documenting the treatment the child had endured. One video allegedly showed the little boy restrained in a car seat with a blindfold and handcuffs. Prosecutors also described recordings of the child being sprayed with cold water while fully clothed and shivering. Other evidence suggested that he had been subjected to excessive spanking, isolation, physical exercises and other forms of punishment because adults considered him disrespectful and unruly.

The prosecution also presented evidence indicating that Banker had influenced the boy’s mother to participate in the abuse. Prosecutor Ben Allen said Bryant had been taught to impose various punishments on her son, including restraints, prolonged exercise and abusive cold showers. Text messages recovered from the phones reportedly alluded to the child being forced to eat his own feces. Bryant later pleaded guilty to felony injury to a child and received a 20-year prison sentence in exchange for testifying against Banker.

Following the jury’s guilty verdict, Banker appeared emotional as he was taken into custody. During sentencing on November 5, 2026, the judge rejected his request for probation, citing his continued denial of responsibility despite the evidence presented at trial. He received four consecutive prison terms totaling 33 years, consisting of 16 years fixed and another 17 years indeterminate. He was also credited with 70 days already served.

The boy is now living with his grandmother, who spoke about the lasting effects of the abuse during the sentencing hearing. She told the court that he continues to show signs of trauma and may carry the emotional consequences for years. Although he has made meaningful progress in his recovery, his family faces the difficult task of helping him rebuild a sense of safety after experiencing abuse at such a young age.

Source: https://lawandcrime.com/crime/little-boy-forced-to-take-cold-showers-sprayed-down-with-water-while-he-was-fully-clothed-and-shivering-as-punishment-for-being-disrespectful/