BULLHEAD CITY — A Bullhead City man charged with the abuse of his girlfriend’s kids has entered a plea agreement. Matthew Cook, 27, pleaded guilty December 15 to one child abuse count while another, along with an endangerment charge, are dismissed in the deal.
An anonymous letter alleging abuse and neglect of the 4 and 8-year-old girls triggered a Bullhead City police investigation in July. Photos of bruising and allegations involving disciplinary measures including food deprivation were also brought to police attention.
Police reported that Cook and the girl’s mother, Sky Riehm, 27, were uncooperative when Department of Child Safety officials tried to conduct a welfare check where they lived in the 1500 block of Paseo Grande. Police said a July 10 search of their apartment led to confiscation of a loaded firearm that was accessible to the children.
Cook will be placed on probation at a January 20 sentencing hearing. His conviction will be designated a misdemeanor, provided he complies with terms of probation. Cook was also ordered to forfeit the handgun.
Riehm awaits trial for two child abuse charges and endangerment.
