Seven Children Removed From Quincy Home Amid Serious Abuse Allegations

(QUINCY) - Seven children have been removed from a Quincy home after a former police reserve officer and a school bus driver were charged in a wide-ranging child abuse investigation. Matthew Boatrite, a former Quincy Police Reserve Officer, and his wife Cassandra Boatrite, a bus driver for Quincy Community Schools, were arraigned Thursday on multiple felony charges following a Child Protective Services complaint and a Michigan State Police investigation. Prosecutors allege the couple abused and endangered the children throughout 2025. The seven children, ranging in age from seven to fifteen, included foster placements, a child under guardianship, and biological or stepchildren. According to the Coldwater Daily Reporter, court records show the children gave consistent accounts of severe abuse. Allegations include being forced to drink dish soap mixed with water, being struck with belts and a board, and being handcuffed with their hands behind their backs for extended periods. Four children reported being choked, causing breathing difficulties and near unconsciousness. Investigators also allege firearms were pointed at children during separate incidents. All seven children were removed from the home and placed in state custody. A judge ordered no contact between the Boatrites and the victims and barred them from any unsupervised contact with minors. Investigators reportedly found unsecured firearms, belts, a board, and handcuffs during a search of the home. Both Matthew and Cassandra Boatrite face multiple counts of second-degree child abuse, assault by strangulation, domestic violence, and additional misdemeanor charges. Matthew Boatrite also faces several weapons-related felony counts. Bond was set at two hundred thousand dollars each. Matthew Boatrite was terminated from the Quincy Police Reserve following the investigation. Quincy Community Schools confirmed Cassandra Boatrite was placed on leave under district policy. Probable cause hearings and preliminary exams are scheduled within the next three weeks.