Pueblo foster parents accused in child abuse death in court

Paul Finn was sentenced to 10 years of probation for a charge of child abuse resulting in death.

The sentence Paul Finn received is the maximum number of years of probation he could have received under the plea deal.

A judge also ordered Paul Finn cannot supervise a child under the age of 12 during probation. His wife Sarah Finn, who also faces a child abuse charge, gave birth to a child shortly after the foster child’s death.

The judge also asked that Finn be evaluated for consideration to serve six months in community corrections.

Police said the couple’s 2-year-old foster child, Chassie Pietrolungo, died after she fell down a flight of stairs in August 2014.

Paul Finn wasn’t home at the time of the falls, but prosecutors argued that text messages showed Paul Finn knew about Chassie’s injuries and didn’t get her medical help in time.

Chassie Pietrolungo’s biological mother spoke during the sentencing. “Chassie was loved by so many people,” Karen Pietrolungo said.

Paul Finn also addressed the court. “I’m so sorry for what happened,” he said while crying. “I love Chassie so much.”

District Judge Larry Schwartz said it appears that Paul Finn is less culpable than Sarah Finn, who will be sentenced in October.

During a separate hearing, Schwartz denied Sarah Finn’s request to have contact with Paul Finn. Schwartz said he will make a decision on that matter once Sarah Finn is sentenced.