PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County couple has pleaded guilty in a child abuse case involving a young child who investigators say showed signs of severe mistreatment.

Jerome Norman, 44, and Mary Hall, 43, both of Raccoon, entered Alford pleas to one count of first-degree criminal abuse and two amended counts of second-degree criminal abuse.

An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging prosecutors likely have enough evidence to secure a conviction.

The charges stem from a report made in January 2025 after a staff member at the child’s school noticed injuries and concerning behavior. The staff member reported that the child had not been seen at school for more than a month due to an extended break.

When the child returned, school staff noticed chipped front teeth and a nose injury. Both the child and Hall told school officials the injuries happened while the child was outside playing and carrying wood.

Investigators later reported additional signs of possible abuse, including concerns about the child’s access to food and overall health.

According to court documents, when officers went to the home they found the child’s bedroom was a dark room with locks on the outside of the door.

After the child was removed from the home, the arrest warrant states he went into cardiac arrest and was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital. Medical staff reported the child showed signs of severe abuse.

Norman and Hall now face possible sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10.