POCATELLO, Idaho -- A Pocatello man who was on probation for a felony drunken driving charge when a 2-year-old girl in his care suffered serious injuries has been sentenced to at least five years in prison for felony injury to a child.
Matthew Gonzales was sentenced Monday to five years fixed and five years indeterminate for injuries suffered by Aerabella Beck in January 2011. The girl suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused blindness as well as a broken arm. Court records say the girl's sight is returning and she is walking and talking.
Gonzales pleaded guilty in January in exchange for a recommended sentence of three years fixed and three years indeterminate. Gonzales' attorney argued for probation and rehabilitation.
Sixth District Judge David Nye gave Gonzales the maximum sentence.
