SANILAC COUNTY, Mich. – A 34-year-old Sanilac County man has been sentenced in an abuse case involving his two children.
Joseph Lee Brockitt was found guilty of of one count of torture, one count of child abuse -1st degree, four counts of child abuse – 2nd degree (4 year), and one count of child abuse – 4th degree.
Recommended Videos
Torture carries a life sentence.
Police said between 8 and 9 adults lived in the home with Brockitt. The investigation began after one man who lived with Brockitt told police Brockitt had been abusing his 4-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son from a previous relationship for several months.
Police said Brockitt subjected the children to cruel and abusive punishments for not being potty-trained.
Sanilac County Prosecutor James V. Young who presented the case to the jury expressed his appreciation for the jury's service, deliberation and verdict. Prosecutor Young stated, "that children have a right to feel safe in their homes and we must always be diligent to protect them from predators who seek to abuse them." He further expressed his appreciation to Det/Sgt. James Johnson and Detective Mark Ruggles along with supporting personnel of the Sanilac County Sheriff Office for their excellent investigation.