Dayton husband sentenced in “Cinderella” abuse case
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
DAYTON, Wash. – Michael Alexander Cook, 60, of Dayton was sentenced Monday in Columbia County Superior Court to 18 months in prison for his role in the severe abuse and neglect of his 27-year-old daughter.
Cook pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, second-degree criminal mistreatment, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and first-degree theft. The charges stem from a January 2025 arrest where investigators discovered a 27-year-old woman living in an unheated trailer without running water, forced to perform demeaning acts and “earn” food.
Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Newberg described the case as an “unfortunate Cinderella story,” painting a picture of an “evil stepmother” who manipulated both the victim and her husband. Newberg noted that while the victim felt her stepmother, Teresa Irene Cook, was the primary aggressor, she remained “furious” that her father failed to protect her.
Teresa Cook was sentenced in February to 57 months in prison for her role in the abuse.
Michael Cook’s defense attorney, Kimberley Traver, cited his significant health issues and recent surgeries as factors in his inability to intervene. Cook expressed remorse in court, stating, “I do take responsibility for that, that I couldn’t protect her.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Brooke J. Burns ordered Cook to pay $362,000 in restitution, which will be placed in a special needs trust for the victim. Cook is also subject to a five-year no-contact order with his daughter.
File photo of Columbia County Courthouse
