SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A 27-year-old Oregon woman has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for starving and physically abusing two of her four children.
A jury convicted Maria Moss of Rickreall of four counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment. The children, her oldest, were 12 and 9 at the time.
The Statesman Journal reports (http://is.gd/04qPa8 ) that the abuse came to light when the 12-year-old boy ran away and was caught shoplifting food. He told a Polk County deputy about conditions at home. Deputy District Attorney Max Wall says the boy was 5-feet-7 and weighed 100 pounds last October. He has gained 30 pounds while living with foster parents.
Moss’ lawyer Chris Lillegard says the children lied. Moss told Judge William Horner on Thursday she loved her children. However the judge replied that, “the jury’s verdict was that you are the liar and not your children.”
