Neosho man sentenced to 10 years for child abuse

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

A Neosho man has been sentenced to prison after entering a guilty plea to a Class B felony of Abuse or Neglect of a Child on February 25, 2026. The plea was entered pursuant to North Carolina v. Alford, whereby the defendant admitted there is sufficient evidence to convict him without admitting wrongdoing.

David Matin, 63, of Neosho, Missouri was sentenced to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge John LePage of the 40th Judicial Circuit after pleading guilty as charged.

The charges arose when, in April of 2023, physicians treated a 20-month-old child that was suffering from emaciation. Physicians determined there was no medical reason for the emaciation. Deputy Brad Black with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office determined the defendant was the father of the child and was charged with the care, custody and control of the child and the mother was a ward of the state. 

Matin made statements to Deputy Black that he stopped feeding the child baby food because he understood that baby food had lead and arsenic in it.

“The photos that we were shown of this poor child left an indelible mark on my staff and myself,”
said Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch. 

“Immediately, our team sprang into action and sunk our teeth into this case. David Matin now has a decade sentence to look forward to for failing to adequately care for his daughter, who has by the grace of God made a full recovery.”

“Our officers, medical professionals, and investigator and victim advocates worked tirelessly for this outcome,” stated Sarah Crites, Newton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. “The child’s foster families and guardians also allowed us to fully seek justice while also ensuring the health and safety of our victim.”

The case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Sarah Crites and William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.