KINGMAN – A Bullhead city couple charged in a child abuse case appeared for hearings at the Law and Justice Center in Kingman this week. Investigation began last July after police were provided a letter and pictures from an anonymous party that alleged five- and eight-year-old girls had been bruised and subjected to unconventional disciplinary measures.
Matthew Cook, 27, was placed on probation for three years during a Jan. 20 sentencing hearing, after pleading guilty last month to one count of child abuse. He admitted using food deprivation to discipline his girlfriend’s daughters and spanking them with a belt or spoon.
“At the time of this, I was completely ignorant as to parenting,” Cook told Judge Billy Sipe, noting involvement in parenting classes since his arrest and indictment. “I’ve done everything I can to learn how to be a better father.”
The court responded that an adult should know that child abuse is unacceptable.
“I don’t think anyone should have to go to class to learn that is wrong,” Sipe said. “It’s hard for me to understand why an adult would hurt a child.”
Judge Sipe imposed a 45-day jail sentence for Cook, crediting the defendant for the 12 days he already spent in custody.
Cook’s partner, the victim’s mother, Sky Riehm, 27, pleaded guilty to an endangerment charge at her Jan. 21 hearing. Riehm admitted involvement in excessive punishment of her daughters, and for having a weapon in the home, accessible to the children.
Riehm faces no further jail time when placed on probation at a Feb. 23 sentencing hearing.
