Quincy couple arraigned on multiple charges in child abuse case

QUINCY, MI (WTVB) -A Quincy couple has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts stemming from allegations of prolonged child abuse against their children.

Branch County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary W. Stempien announced the charges against Matthew Boatrite and Cassandra Boatrite following a joint investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Michigan State Police.

Matthew Boatrite who was a Quincy Reserve Police Officer, faces six counts of second-degree child abuse, four counts of strangulation, two counts of assault with a weapon, one count of felony firearm, six counts of fourth-degree child abuse, and three counts of domestic violence.

Quincy Police Chief Dalton Turmell issued a statement after learning of Boatrite’s arrest,  saying he had been relieved of his duties with the department.

Cassandra Boatrite is charged with six counts of second-degree child abuse, four counts of strangulation, six counts of fourth-degree child abuse, and two counts of domestic violence. If convicted on the most serious charges, both defendants could face up to 10 years in prison. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation began on Wednesday, when CPS launched an inquiry into suspected child abuse and requested assistance from the Michigan State Police. The joint probe uncovered allegations and evidence suggesting the couple had physically abused their children in various ways over the past year.

After conducting interviews with all involved parties, state police arrested the Boatrites and forwarded the case to the prosecutor’s office for review.

The couple was arraigned on Thursday, Branch County District Court Judge Brent Weigle set bond at $200,000 each and imposing no-contact orders with the victims as well as restrictions on unsupervised contact with any minor children.