Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Child at center of abuse case testifies

By RICHARD JENKINS

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BESSEMER - Jurors heard from the alleged victim Wednesday in the trial of a Bessemer man accused of child abuse as the prosecution wrapped up its case in Gogebic County Circuit Court.

Matthew James LaPlant, 31, is charged with one count of first degree child abuse, two counts of second degree child abuse and one count of unlawful imprisonment. All four counts are felonies, with first degree child abuse carrying a potential maximum sentence of up to life in prison.

The child - who recently turned 8 - testified via video link from another room in th...