Father Indicted For Tossing Dead Infant Into The East River

FINANCIAL DISTRICT, NY — The Bronx father accused with dumping his 7-month-old son in the East River was indicted for concealing a human corpse Friday, according to prosecutors.

A court appearance for James Currie, 37, was waived for the brief Manhattan Criminal Court hearing.

The cruel father fled to Bangkok, Thailand after his infant son, Mason Saldona, was found floating in the East River and sent taunting text messages to his son's mother, including one telling her, "You will never see Mason again."

Currie was flown back to the U.S. and arrested for allegedly dumping little Mason's body into the river on Aug. 5. Police suspect Currie of killing his son.

Authorities believe the baby boy died in Currie's Co-op City apartment after he picked up the child from his mother's home Aug. 4.

The next day security camera footage shows Currie leave with a backpack converted into a baby carrier on his abdomen with a blanket covering the pack.

Authorities believe Mason's dead body was inside the backpack.

MTA records show Currie, who was a station cleaner with the transit agency and was issued an employee MetroCard, used his MetroCard to board a bus in the Bronx and then swiped his card again at 23rd Street in Lower Manhattan.

Authorities said Currie was spotted walking toward the East River with the backpack still strapped to his body. Oklahoma tourists waded into the water and fished out the baby's body after spotting him in the river.

Currie could face up to a year in prison for the charge of concealing a human corpse. Prosecutors may still pursue more serious charges by presenting additional charges to a grand jury.

Currie is being held without bail and is due back in court on Oct. 11.

James Currie in Manhattan criminal court during his arraignment. (Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)