In Michigan, a father has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors after facing serious accusations of child abuse. The charges stem from distressing incidents involving his two young sons, including allegations of physical assault and cigarette burns.

Back in June, Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, then 38, was charged with abusing his children. The case came to light when his 9-year-old son reportedly managed to flee their home on South Edith Street in Pontiac after Moore left for the store. The boy sought refuge at a neighbor’s house, leading the homeowner to alert the authorities, according to a press release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, Moore entered a no-contest plea to the child abuse charges. This plea indicates his acknowledgement that the prosecution possesses sufficient evidence to potentially secure a conviction, though Moore himself does not admit to the wrongdoing.

Upon their arrival, deputies observed that the older boy had significant injuries, including “severe abrasions” near his right eye and neck, as well as welts across his torso. The child recounted harrowing details of being struck with a belt and a broom handle, and described being choked to the point of losing consciousness. He recalled his father ominously warning, “It’s gonna happen all night,” before leaving.

The situation reportedly escalated when the 1-year-old began crying from hunger, prompting Moore’s alleged violent reaction by “throwing” the toddler into his crib. Examination of the younger child revealed healed cigarette burns on his back and legs.

Following Moore’s arrest, he reportedly told a relative that he had been “whooping” his older son for alleged theft. Medical personnel transported the child to a hospital for his injuries. It was noted that the children’s mother did not reside with Moore, as per the deputies’ report.

As the 1-year-old’s mother was in jail at the time of Moore’s arrest, Child Protective Services took custody of the child.

According to court records, Moore’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026.