Two sentenced in child abuse case

Two people were sentenced after entering guilty pleas on counts of child abuse, the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office shared Thursday, Oct. 29.

Alexis Brinkley, 20, was sentenced on Aug. 11, 2020, after a guilty plea to two counts of child abuse, in violation of Penal Code section 273a(a), for her role in failing to protect and/or seek medical care after injuries were sustained on a 9-week old infant. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Brinkley was sentenced to the upper term of six years on one count and 1/3 the middle term on the other count (per CA sentencing structure) for a total of 7 years, 4 months state prison.

Michael Betz, 20, was sentenced on Oct. 29, 2020, after entering a guilty plea to one count of child abuse, in violation of Penal Code section 273a(a), and admission to inflicting great bodily injury on the same 9-week old infant during the abusive act pursuant to Penal Code section 12022.7(d). Pursuant to the plea, Betz was sentenced to the upper term of six  years with a consecutive six years for the infliction of injury, for a total of 12 years state prison. This is a violent felony and subjects Betz to a 15% credit limitation and is a “strike” for future purposes.

The Lassen County District Attorney extends appreciation to the Susanville Police Department for their investigation into this matter.