Prosecutors in Branch County have added more serious charges against a Quincy couple who were arrested on several allegations of severe child abuse.
Matthew Boatrite and Cassandra Boatrite were arrested on December 18th, after an investigation by Child Protective Services and the Michigan State Police out of the Marshall Post.
Both suspects were initially charged with several counts each of second-degree child abuse, assault by strangulation, and fourth-degree child abuse, along with two counts each of domestic violence.
The prosecutor’s office has added first-degree child abuse to the list of charges.
Both suspects waived a preliminary exam and are facing a hearing in Circuit Court next month.
The charge of First Degree Child Abuse carries a maximum sentence of life in prison upon conviction.