Man in court on abuse charges, accused of waterboarding boy

MOUNT MORRIS, Mich. -- A 30-year-old Michigan man who says he got the idea to waterboard a 5-year-old from a movie has been arraigned on child abuse charges.

Michael A. Porter appeared in court Monday, and a judge set his bond at $400,000. Porter returns to court May 28.

It's unclear if he has a lawyer.

Authorities say Porter restrained his girlfriend's son with belts, leaned him back over a footstool and poured water down his underwear-covered face.

Mount Morris police Chief Keith Becker says Porter was punishing the 5-year-old for ripping his backpack and got the idea from watching a movie.

Becker says school officials saw changes in the boy's behavior and called police.

Authorities say Porter also prodded the woman's 12-year-old son with a knife. Both boys were removed from the home.