(AP) — A jury has found a Scottsbluff couple guilty of felony child abuse.

The Scotts Bluff District Court jury on Saturday found Carlos and Jennifer Herrera guilty of felony child abuse. That’s less serious than the charges they had faced of child abuse resulting in serious injury.

Prosecutors say authorities began their investigation in October 2011, when the couple’s son missed school after showing up with injuries.

Defense attorneys say child services officials forced the couple’s children, including a daughter, to believe abuse was taking place.

Police say the Herreras tried to conceal the boy’s whereabouts when officers checked on the child. Officers say he had several injuries, including the imprint of a shoe across his face. They also say the boy suffered extreme neglect and malnutrition.