Man Sentenced To 8.5 Years In Prison For Child Abuse Occuring Within Gila River Indian Community

            PHOENIX - Today, Christopher Earl Terry, 41, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 8.5 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Terry previously pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse. 

            Documents contained within the public record indicate that Terry seriously injured the victim, a small infant, while babysitting him at a residence within the Gila River Indian Community.  The victim suffered significant physical injuries.

            In deciding the sentence, Judge Humetewa rejected Terry’s contention that he injured the child during rough play, and instead noted his “egregious” conduct. 

            The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Christine Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER:                  CR-14-00242-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER:           2014-048_Terry

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az