(COLDWATER) - A Quincy couple is facing upgraded felony charges following allegations of severe abuse involving multiple children at their home.
Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien has filed first-degree child abuse charges against 34-year-old Matthew Boatrite and 32-year-old Cassandra Boatrite. The life felony charges were added during a preliminary examination in district court.
Authorities allege the couple caused severe psychological harm to four biological children and three foster children in their care during incidents last year.
Matthew Boatrite also faces an additional felony count of false imprisonment. Investigators allege he restrained a foster child at gunpoint and by the neck during a confrontation.
The couple previously faced multiple counts of second-degree child abuse, along with other charges tied to alleged physical assaults, including choking, striking children with objects and forcing them to ingest dish soap as punishment.
Prosecutors said the charges were elevated after reviewing evidence indicating significant psychological harm in addition to physical abuse.
According to authorities, all seven children provided consistent accounts during recorded interviews totaling approximately 20 hours. Michigan State Police arrested the couple Dec. 18 following an investigation prompted by a Child Protective Services report.
Matthew Boatrite is a former reserve Quincy police officer, and Cassandra Boatrite is a former Quincy school bus driver. The children have since been placed with relatives or new foster families.
Both defendants waived their preliminary examination. A pretrial conference is scheduled for March 2 in circuit court. Each remains held on a $200,000 bond.
Matthew Boatrite faces 24 pending charges, while Cassandra Boatrite faces 19 pending charges.