CLARE -- Two Clare brothers charged with burning the anus of a 6-year-old boy with a propane torch could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of first-degree child abuse.

Clare County 80th District Court Magistrate Rick Laboda on Wednesday arraigned Gerald T. Hall, 36, and Glen Leslee Hall, 43, for the crime, which caused second- and third-degree burns, state police from the Mount Pleasant post say.

The mother of the child and hospital staff called police when they discovered what had happened. Police immediately arrested Gerald Hall and later arrested Glen Hall where he works at a construction site, said state police Sgt. Del Putnam."They said they were disciplining the child for making a mess in his pants," Putnam said.

Police say the men took the boy to a shed and took turns burning the child on the buttocks and anus, causing the severe burns. The men also removed the boy's clothing and burned them as well.

The child was treated and released at an area hospital after a short hospital stay, police said.

County Prosecutor Michelle Ambrozaitis would not comment on the prior criminal records of the brothers, although police said both had extensive criminal histories.

Laboda set the preliminary examination for the pair for 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, in District Court.