Mother’s child abuse trial set for April, boyfriend takes a plea

Mother’s child abuse trial set for April, boyfriend takes a plea

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

LUDINGTON — The criminal trial against a mother charged with child abuse is postponed until April, while her boyfriend accepted a plea deal.

Kevin James Kaiser, 30, of Ludington, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder in a separate matter, Feb. 28, and charges of first-degree child abuse — which is punishable by up to life in prison and maintaining a drug house will be dismissed, said defense attorney Andrew Lapres, who represents the mother in the case, Tara Treesh, 36, of Ludington.

Kaiser is scheduled for sentencing April 16 at 2:20 p.m. “He is going to prison,” said Lapres.

Treesh is charged with second-degree child abuse, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Her case is scheduled for trial April 17-19 with a final trial conference set for March 12 at 2 p.m.

Judge Susan K. Sniegowski separated the two cases so they were not tried together, said Lapres. “The court has discretion on that, and the court felt it was better to split the trials.” 

Kaiser’s trial began last week, but it did not continue in light of the plea deal. Meanwhile, Treesh’s case will move forward to trial. “My client’s child abuse charge still goes to trial next month.”

Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Kreinbrink previously said the alleged incident took place Dec. 14, 2021 in the City of Ludington. She said Treesh brought her then 2-year-old son to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Emergency Department for treatment of injuries. The boy was then transferred to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids because of the severity of injuries, Kreinbrink said. 

“I became involved because the extent of injuries of the child indicated that it was possible that he was not going to survive,” Kreinbrink said. “Thankfully, because of the medical treatment he received, he has survived. He is currently in the care of his maternal grandparents.” 

Kreinbrink said Kaiser was in a relationship with Treesh and living with her at the time of the incident but is not the father of the child. 

Kaiser has a long history of criminal activity, including aggravated stalking, resisting/obstructing/assaulting police, accessory to a felony and home invasion.

Treesh also faces charges of methamphetamin/ecstasy possession and maintaining a drug house. She has a criminal history that includes breaking and entering and methamphetamine possession. 

Both Kaiser and Treesh are currently lodged in the Mason County Jail. 

Kaiser is represented by defense attorney Tracie Dinehart.

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