(AP) — A Scottsbluff couple convicted in June of abusing one of their children have been sentenced to prison.

On Thursday, a Scotts Bluff County District judge sentenced 36-year-old Carlos Herrera to four to five years in prison. His wife, 30-year-old Jennifer Herrera, was sentenced to one to two years.

The Herreras have denied the abuse and plan to appeal.

Officials began investigating the Herreras in October 2011, when their 5-year-old son missed school after showing up with injuries.

Authorities say the Herreras tried to conceal the boy’s whereabouts when officers went to check on him. When found, he had the imprint of a shoe across his face, a black eye, bruising and a severe rash.

Prosecutors also said the boy suffered extreme neglect and malnutrition.