In a troubling case from Michigan, a father has reached a plea agreement after being accused of severe mistreatment of his two young sons. The man, Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, faced charges after reportedly using physical violence against his 9-year-old and inflicting burns on his 1-year-old. The disturbing allegations stem from an incident in June, which has since gained significant attention.

The story unfolded when the older boy managed to flee their home on South Edith Street in Pontiac. According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the child sought help at a neighbor’s house after Moore had gone out to the store. Once there, the homeowner promptly contacted authorities, leading to Moore’s arrest for child abuse.

On Friday, Moore entered a plea of no contest to the charges, a legal stance that implies he recognizes the strength of the prosecution’s evidence against him, without formally admitting to the alleged crimes.

When deputies arrived, they found the 9-year-old with significant injuries, including “severe abrasions” around his eye and neck, as well as welts across his body. The boy recounted a harrowing ordeal, explaining that his father had beaten him with a belt and a broom handle, and even choked him to the point of unconsciousness. He recalled his father ominously warning that the abuse would continue throughout the night before leaving for the store.

The older child also described how his father’s temper flared when the younger sibling cried out of hunger, leading Moore to allegedly throw the baby into his crib. Upon further examination, the 1-year-old was found to have healed cigarette burns on his back and legs, indicating a pattern of abuse.

At the time of the arrest, Moore allegedly told a relative he was “whooping” his son for stealing. Paramedics took the boy to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. His mother did not live in the home with Moore, per deputies.

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.