Plea agreement in foster child death

Associated Press

COEUR D'ALENE - Kootenai County prosecutors have reached a plea agreement with a Post Falls couple that had been charged with abusing two foster children, including one who died.

The Coeur d'Alene Press reported charges of felony injury to a child and concealment of evidence of child abuse are to be dismissed against Jeremy M. Clark, 37, and Amber M. Clark, 30.

In return, the Clarks entered Alford pleads to perjury for statements made at prior hearings. Sentencing is set for Nov. 14 and they each face up to 14 years in prison.

The Clarks were indicted in November 2011 for the January 2009 death of 2-year-old Karina J. Moore. The Clarks said the girl fell down the stairs. Defense attorney Sean Walsh said doctors were prepared to testify that Karina's injuries were consistent with an accidental fall.

The Clarks were accused by prosecutors of inflicting ice or snow baths on one foster child as a form of discipline, and injuring his head.

They also were accused of beating Moore into a coma and failing to get her medical care. She died in January 2009, and a medical examiner ruled the case a homicide, citing "blunt-force head injuries."

But Walsh, who represented Jeremy Clark, said the plea agreement is a vindication of his client's version of events.

"Jeremy Clark didn't abuse any of the foster children who were in his care. This case involved a terrible accident - nothing more and nothing less," Walsh said.

Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh said the case was frustrating.

"For those who might question the wisdom of our judgment in this case, I hope that the information that is presented for purposes of sentencing will shed some light on the decision," McHugh said.