Yukon Couple Sentenced For Abusing Adopted Children

A judge followed a jury's recommendation Tuesday and sentenced a Yukon woman to life in prison for abusing and neglecting her three adopted children.

Sonja Kluth was convicted in June of three counts of child abuse and three counts of child neglect. A Canadian County judge sentenced her to life in prison for one count of child abuse, and 25 years for each of the other counts.

Sonja's husband, John Kluth, was convicted of five counts of child abuse and neglect. The judge gave him 10 years for each count.

During the course of the trial, the Kluths were accused of making their children eat dog food. The state says they forced their children to stay in dog crates and withheld food from the children. They are also accused of beating and torturing the children.

Sonja Kluth says, through her attorney, that she will appeal her conviction. Prior to John's sentencing, he asked the court to suspend his sentence in order to help pay for his wife's appeal.

2/23/2011 Related Story: Yukon Parents Accused of Child Abuse, Feeding Children Dog, Cat Food

7/24/2012 Related Story: Judge To Sentence Yukon Couple Convicted Of Child Abuse