A Michigan father is in jail after allegedly beating and choking his 9-year-old son for falling asleep on the couch, as well as placing lit cigarettes on his 1-year-old son’s back and legs.
Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, 38, is accused of two counts of child abuse. The investigation began on Thursday, when the older boy was able to flee the home in the 100 block of South Edith Street in Pontiac after Moore left to go to the store, according to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office press release. The boy ran to another house, and the owner called the cops.
According to the press release, deputies discovered “severe abrasions” around the boy’s neck and right eye, as well as welts on his torso.
He told deputies that his father beat him with a belt on his face, back, legs, and buttocks, then hit him with a broom handle before choking him until he lost consciousness. Moore is accused of saying, “It’s gonna happen all night” before leaving for the store.
The 9-year-old also stated that his father became upset when the younger child started crying because he was hungry. Moore allegedly “threw” the one-year-old into the crib. Further examination of the younger boy revealed that he had healed cigarette burns on his back and legs.
On Thursday night, cops arrested Moore at a relative’s home. He allegedly informed the relative that he was “whooping” his son for stealing. Paramedics transported the boy to the hospital for treatment of his injuries; he was last listed in stable condition. Moore’s mother did not live in the home with him, according to deputies.
The 1-year-old’s mother is in jail, so Child Protective Services took custody of him.
Moore remained in Oakland County Jail as of Tuesday morning. His next court date is set for July 10.
“One of the worst things we see is horrific abuse to children,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “It cannot be tolerated, and those responsible must be held fully accountable and their children protected.”
