Michigan Father Sentenced to Prison After Beating 9-Year-Old Son for Falling Asleep on Couch

PONTIAC, MICHIGAN — A Michigan father who brutally abused his young children, including beating and choking his 9-year-old son for falling asleep on the couch, has been sentenced to prison, according to court records and law enforcement officials.

Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, now 39, was sentenced to three to 10 years behind bars after pleading no contest to child abuse charges in December. By entering the plea, Moore acknowledged that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to convict him, though he did not formally admit guilt.

Child Escapes Home and Leads Deputies to Abuse

The abuse came to light in June when Moore’s 9-year-old son managed to escape the home in the 100 block of South Edith Street while Moore had gone to a nearby store, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

The child ran to a neighboring residence, where a homeowner contacted authorities. Deputies responding to the scene found the boy with severe abrasions to his right eye and neck, along with multiple welts across his torso, officials said.

Deputies Say Child Was Beaten, Choked Until Unconscious

According to investigators, the boy told deputies that his father had beaten him with a belt on his face, back, legs, and buttocks. Moore then allegedly struck the child with a broom handle before choking him until he lost consciousness.

During the assault, deputies said Moore told the child:

“It’s gonna happen all night.”

After the beating, Moore allegedly left the house to go to the store, giving the injured child the opportunity to flee and seek help.

Cigarette Burns Found on 1-Year-Old Sibling

Deputies also discovered disturbing injuries on the boy’s 1-year-old sibling. According to authorities, the younger child had healed cigarette burns on his back and legs, indicating prior abuse.

The 9-year-old told investigators that his father became angry when the toddler began crying because he was hungry. Moore allegedly threw the 1-year-old into his crib, deputies said.

Father Claimed He Was “Whooping” Child for Stealing

At the time of his arrest, Moore allegedly told a relative that he was “whooping” his son for stealing, according to investigators.

Paramedics transported the 9-year-old to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Deputies confirmed that the children’s mother did not live in the home with Moore.

Child Protective Services Takes Custody

Authorities said the 1-year-old’s mother was in jail at the time of Moore’s arrest. As a result, Child Protective Services took custody of the younger child to ensure his safety.

The older child was also removed from Moore’s care following the investigation.

Judge Hands Down Prison Sentence

Following Moore’s no-contest plea, a judge sentenced him to a minimum of three years and a maximum of 10 years in prison, reflecting the severity of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victims.

Prosecutors emphasized the lasting physical and emotional trauma inflicted on the children, particularly the deliberate nature of the violence and the repeated acts of harm.

As child abuse cases continue to draw concern across Michigan communities, authorities stress the importance of reporting suspected abuse and ensuring vulnerable children receive immediate protection. For more updates on court cases, public safety, and community news from Michigan and beyond, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.