Parents in caged-kids case get 2 years in prison

Sharen Gravelle wipes her eyes as she addresses the court during her sentencing today.

NORWALK, Ohio Michael and Sharen Gravelle, convicted of forcing some of their 11 adopted children to sleep in cages, today were each sentenced to two years in prison.

Judge Earl McGimpsey ordered the sentence delayed pending their appeal.

The Gravelles were each convicted in December in Huron County Common Pleas Court on four felony charges and seven misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and child abuse.

Before sentence, Judge McGimpsey weighed statements from two of their children that included a request to sentence their parents to as much time in prison as possible.

Michael Gravelle addresses the court before his sentencing today.

The judge sentenced the Gravelles to two years on each of the felonies and six months on each of the seven lesser charges, but ordered they be served concurrently. He also ordered the couple to pay restitution of $11,230 for the cost of counseling that their children have received since being taken from the Gravelle home by authorities in September, 2005.

Prosecutor Russ Leffler, who recommended a minimum of 24 years in prison, said he was disappointed with the sentence.

It wasn t long enough, but the children are out of there for good, Mr. Leffler said after sentencing.

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