• Coreydon and Cecilia Stepaniak sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to child injury charges

• Court documents reveal years of abuse including food restriction and assaults with cables

• FBI and Army CID investigation uncovered pattern of neglect spanning from 2019 to 2024

EL PASO, TX (TDR) — A Fort Bliss soldier and his wife have avoided prison time after being sentenced to probation for a years-long pattern of abusing and neglecting a child in their care. Coreydon Stepaniak, 34, and Cecilia Stepaniak, 34, appeared in federal court earlier this month where they received their sentences following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and military authorities.

A Pattern of "Dangerously Restricted" Care

The charges against the couple stemmed from a period of abuse lasting from April 2019 to February 2024. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Stepaniaks engaged in conduct that placed the child, who was under the age of 15, in imminent danger of "death, bodily injury, and physical or mental impairment."

Prosecutors detailed a disturbing list of allegations in the indictment. The couple was accused of "dangerously restricting" the child's food intake, a form of neglect that can have long-term developmental consequences. Additionally, court documents revealed that the child was subjected to physical assaults, including being struck with a cell phone charging cable.

Psychological Manipulation and Threats

Beyond physical deprivation, the investigation uncovered evidence of psychological abuse. The couple allegedly made false reports to medical providers, claiming the victim had been removed from school due to bullying by other elementary students—a claim investigators determined was intended to conceal the child's condition.

In one of the most harrowing details presented by the prosecution, the indictment alleged that a sharp kitchen knife was held to the minor child, further establishing an environment of fear and intimidation within the home.

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"The indictment alleges acts including... dangerously restricting the minor's food intake; hitting the minor victim with a cell phone charging cable; holding a sharp kitchen knife to the minor." — U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas

Investigation and Sentencing

The case was brought to light through a collaborative effort between the FBI and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, which investigates felony crimes involving U.S. Army personnel. Coreydon Stepaniak's status as a soldier stationed at Fort Bliss brought the case under federal jurisdiction.

Both defendants faced multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit injury to a child, child endangerment, and child abandonment. While the charges carried potential prison sentences of up to 20 years, the couple's plea agreement resulted in a sentence of probation. This outcome has drawn attention to how the military justice system and federal courts handle domestic cases involving service members.

The Stepaniaks will be required to adhere to strict conditions during their probationary period. The Western District of Texas has seen several high-profile cases involving military personnel in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing family violence within the armed forces community.

Does a sentence of probation adequately address the severity of years-long child neglect and physical abuse?