Michigan Father Who Beat and Choked 9-Year-Old Son for Falling Asleep on Couch Pleads No Contest as Prosecutors Detail Night of Abuse
PONTIAC, MICHIGAN — A Michigan father accused of violently attacking his 9-year-old son for simply falling asleep on a couch — and burning his 1-year-old toddler with cigarettes — has accepted a plea deal that acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him.
Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, now 38, pleaded no contest to child abuse charges on Friday, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Child Ran From Home to Escape the Violence, Deputies Say
The terrifying ordeal began in June when Moore allegedly beat the 9-year-old with a belt and a broom handle, choked him until he lost consciousness, and declared:
“It’s gonna happen all night.”
When Moore stepped out to go to the store, the injured child escaped the home on South Edith Street and ran to a neighbor’s house. The homeowner immediately called police.
Deputies who responded found the boy with:
- Severe abrasions on his eye and neck
- Welts across his torso
- Bruising on his face, legs and back
He told investigators he was beaten for falling asleep on the couch.
1-Year-Old Found With Cigarette Burns on Back and Legs
Investigators soon discovered abuse extended to the youngest child in the home.
The 9-year-old said his baby brother started crying because he was hungry, and Moore allegedly became enraged — then threw the 1-year-old into his crib.
When deputies examined the toddler, they found healed cigarette burns on his:
- Back
- Legs
Officials said the toddler’s mother was in jail at the time, leaving Moore as the sole caretaker. Child Protective Services took custody of the baby immediately.
Father Claimed He Was ‘Whooping’ Child for Stealing
During the investigation, Moore allegedly told a relative he was “whooping” the 9-year-old for stealing.
Deputies and hospital staff made clear, however, that the child suffered torture-level injuries, not discipline.
Paramedics transported the older boy to a hospital for treatment, and authorities confirmed the children’s mother did not live with Moore.
No Contest Plea Moves Case to Sentencing Phase
Moore’s plea does not admit guilt — but it acknowledges the state has sufficient evidence for conviction.
His sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2026, according to court records.
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