By RICHARD JENKINS
BESSEMER - Allegations of being locked in a dog cage, being physically beaten and made to taste soiled underwear were the focus of testimony as the prosecution began its case in Gogebic County Circuit Court Tuesday against a Bessemer man facing child abuse charges.
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.
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