COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Branch County father and stepmother are facing charges of first-degree child abuse following a joint investigation by Children’s Protective Services and Michigan State Police.
The defendants, identified in court records as 32-year old Korion Earl Stewart and 30-year-old Rachel Marie Justice, were arraigned last week by District Court Judge Brent Weigle, who entered not guilty pleas on their behalf and set bond at $100,000 cash for each.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began in February when school staff at Lakeland Elementary School noticed an 11-year-old boy limping with “bloody and swollen” feet.
The young victim told investigators that his parents struck his feet with a paddle as punishment for not showing respect, alleging that his father would hit him until he “would squeal in pain”.
The boy described further abusive treatments, including being forced to do jumping jacks until collapsing, standing outside in freezing temperatures without adequate clothing, and sleeping on the living room floor without blankets or a pillow.
First-degree child abuse carries a maximum penalty of life in prison in Michigan.
A probable cause hearing for the couple has been scheduled for September 29, 2026, followed by a preliminary examination October 6, 2026, while separate child protective proceedings are also underway.
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