FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
December 18, 2024
Father Sentenced in the Starvation Death of His Two Year Old Son
Mount Clemens, MI - Today, 26-year-old Jonathon Matthew Cheek was sentenced after his no contest plea on Monday, October 21, 2024 in the starving death of his two year old biological son.
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the victim was found dead in his crib. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was fatal starvation. Cheek was charged with second degree murder, a life felony, and second degree child abuse, a ten year felony. Cheek pled no contest as charged. A no contest plea acts like a guilty plea in criminal court. Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Edward Servitto adhered to the sentence agreement between the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office and Cheek to 24 to 50 years on the second degree murder charge. Judge Servitto sentenced Cheek to 86 months to 10 years on the second degree child abuse.
"This is a heartbreaking and profoundly sad case. A two-year-old child, full of potential and deserving of love and care, was failed in the most devastating way. No sentence can bring back this innocent life, but hopefully the family can begin to heal,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan.
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