Louisiana Mother Arrested for Beating Toddler Found Wearing Trash Bag
A Louisiana mother has been arrested following a disturbing report of child abuse in Allen Parish.
A concerned bystander contacted the Allen Parish Sheriff's Office to report that a toddler was seen wearing a trash bag instead of clothing and being beaten with a kitchen utensil.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the child was, in fact, wearing a trash bag in place of clothes and had injuries on their back and legs.
Hailey Bellard was identified as the person responsible for the injuries and display of child cruelty. Bellard, the 4-year-old child's mother, was arrested by the Allen Parish Sheriff's Office for second-degree cruelty to juveniles, aggravated battery, and domestic abuse battery, according to WBRZ.
The toddler was taken to a hospital in Kinder, Louisiana, to treat the injuries they sustained on their back and legs after being beaten with a plastic utensil by Bellard.
Second-degree cruelty to juveniles is a serious felony in Louisiana, punishable by up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Aggravated battery, which involves intentionally causing harm with a weapon or object, carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Domestic abuse battery can result in up to six months in jail for a first offense but increases for subsequent charges or if the victim is under 13 years old.
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The child has since been released from the hospital, but authorities have not disclosed who will have custody of the child moving forward.
The case remains under investigation, and Bellard’s bond and court date have not yet been announced.
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