Parents arrested after allegedly child beating

A 7-year-old boy claimed he was beaten with a paddle 30 to 40 times and left severely bruised and now his parents are facing charges, according to a police report.

Steven and Cassanda Haddox were arrested Tuesday.

According to a Bellefontaine police report, the boy reported the beaten happened over a two hour period at his home after he refused to eat the dinner Steven Haddox had cooked for hime. A school nurse and assistant principal noticed the severe bruising on his buttocks when the child told school officials about the alleged incident.

Police interviewed both parents and Steven Haddox admitted to police that “he does have a serious anger issue”, the report said. The child’s mother told police the 7-year-old was hit with a paddle after he refused to eat the dinner his father had cooked, the report indicated.

Children’s Services were notified and are also investigating the incident.

Steven Haddox was booked into jail on charges of endangering children and domestic violence and Cassandra Haddox was booked on a charge of complicity.

The 7-year-old was released to his grandmother.

About the Author