Michigan dad accused of beating, choking son until he passed out because he 'fell asleep on the couch'

PONTIAC, Mich. (TCN) -- A 38-year-old father faces child abuse charges after allegedly beating his 9-year-old son with a belt and choking him until he passed out "because he fell asleep on the couch."

On June 26, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office responded to a home after a young boy went to another residence to call for help. Authorities found multiple injuries on the 9-year-old child, including welts on his torso and critical abrasions to his eye and around his neck.

The victim told the sheriff's office that his father, Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, became upset "because he fell asleep on the couch." Moore allegedly "beat him with a belt on his face, back, legs, and buttocks, and struck him with a broom handle before choking him until he passed out."

According to the sheriff's office, Moore reportedly told his son it was "gonna happen all night." The father allegedly went to the store, leaving the boy and his 1-year-old brother home before the 9-year-old went to seek help.

The child allegedly said his "brother was crying because he was hungry," and his dad "threw" the baby into his crib.

According to the sheriff's office, officials noticed cigarette burns on the 1-year-old boy's back and legs.

Authorities arrested Moore at a family member's house later that evening. Moore reportedly told the relative "he had been 'whooping' his son for stealing." Moore faces charges of second- and fourth-degree child abuse and remains held in the Oakland County Jail on $100,000 bond.

As of June 29, the 9-year-old victim remains in the hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries. Deputies said his condition is stable. His mother reportedly doesn't reside with Moore.

According to the sheriff's office, the 1-year-old boy's mother is currently incarcerated, and the baby is in the care of another relative.

In a statement, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, "One of the worst things we see is horrific abuse to children. It cannot be tolerated, and those responsible must be held fully accountable, and their children protected."

MORE: