Mt. Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced 31-year-old Samantha Franz of St. Clair Shores was convicted by a jury on child abuse charges.
On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, a Macomb County jury convicted Franz of Child Abuse Second-Degree, a ten-year felony, and Child Abuse Fourth Degree, a one-year misdemeanor. The trial took place over three days and was conducted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Heath.
Franz is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Michael E. Servitto in the Macomb County Circuit Court on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
Franz, while employed as a childcare provider, subjected a ten-month-old infant to abusive treatment. A co-worker reported witnessing Franz handle the child with excessive force, prompting a review of video recordings from the facility. The footage revealed repeated acts of aggressive and abusive conduct toward the crying infant. Franz was seen swinging the baby, carrying her by the arms, and dropping her into her crib. On several occasions, she forcefully shoved a pacifier into the crying child’s mouth.
"It is truly unimaginable that anyone would inflict harm on a defenseless infant. This case has been a painful reminder the profound responsibility we all share to protect the most vulnerable among us. I extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the jury for their careful attention, their commitment to the facts, and their faithful adherence to the law in reaching a just verdict in this matter," 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. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
