Woman accused of beating child's face with belt

Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested 29-year-old Rebeca Carvajal, from Kissimmee, and charged her with domestic aggravated child abuse and child neglect.

The investigation began on January 22 when deputies took a possible child abuse report. The complainant indicated her relative, a 6-year-old girl was under the care of Carvajal when Carvajal struck the child with a belt.

The child had bruising around both of her eyes. Deputies spoke with Carvajal who said she watches the child frequently and typically disciplines her by spanking the child with her hand or a belt. In this instance, which took place several weeks before, Carvajal accidentally hit the child's face with the belt. She did not seek medical attention for the child even though there was severe bruising on her face.

Deputies also spoke with the victim who confirmed Carvajal hit her on the back of the head with a belt. The belt hit her face.

Based on the information, Carvajal was arrested and charged with domestic aggravated child abuse and domestic child neglect.

The Department of Children and Families was notified and the child was placed with another family member. The investigation is on-going with additional charges pending.

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