Orange City, Iowa — A Hawarden couple facing felony charges of child endangerment after their 11-year-old told a teacher he was being abused — have both filed “not guilty” pleas.
According to court records, authorities believe that on at least three separate occasions from September of last year until now, 35-year-old Matthew Spaans abused his 11-year-old stepson, causing injuries. Authorities also believe the child’s mother, 33-year-old Nina Spaans told the boy to make up stories about how the injuries were received.
Matthew Spaans is charged with three counts of Serious Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor; and both Matthew and Nina Spaans are charged with three counts each of Child Endangerment Causing Bodily Injury, a class D felony.
Nina Spaans entered her written “not guilty” plea last week. Matthew Spaans entered his “not guilty” plea after an arraignment on Monday, March 20th. Both Spaans had been scheduled for arraignment, but according to Sioux County Attorney Thomas Kunstle, while Matthew Spaans’ attorney appeared on his client’s behalf, since Nina Spaans’ attorney already filed her written arraignment, she did not need to appear in court on Monday.
Both Spaans were released from custody the day after their arrest after posting $5,000 bond through a bond agent. County Attorney Kunstle says, “I was disappointed after their release from custody.”
