Crime & Public Safety
Man arrested in Marion County on chld abuse allegations after reported belt beating
Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 41-year-old man in Marion County on chld abuse charges after an investigation prompted by reports to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Deputies say the arrest followed allegations that the suspect struck a chld with his hand and a Texas belt, resulting in significant bruising to the chld’s buttocks, hips and right upper thigh.
According to the agencies, the Department of Children and Families received reports that the alleged abuse occurred the prior weekend and that the victim told investigators they had been with the suspect while studying math. The victim reportedly said the suspect became upset over incorrect answers and struck the chld about five times with his hand and a belt. The suspect reportedly told deputies he had hit the chld for the math problems and again after observing the chld’s dry hair when he had asked them to shower; he also reportedly admitted to striking the chld two or three times on earlier occasions.
Medical effects described by investigators include significant bruising to the areas noted; those descriptions come from the investigative report as relayed by law enforcement. Deputies booked the suspect into the Marion County Jail, where he is being held on the chld abuse charges while the case remains under investigation.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Children and Families are the reporting agencies on the allegations; reported admissions by the suspect and injuries observed are reflected in the arrest documentation provided to deputies.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.