A couple is facing child abuse charges after school officials notified authorities a girl in their care had extensive bruising on her legs.
On Wednesday, March 16, Bradenton Police officers responded to Rogers Garden Elementary School at the request of Child Protection Services who had received a report of a juvenile who had several bruises.
A medical examination was conducted on the girl and she told investigators that her father and mother had "whooped" her at their home.
Bradenton Police were able to recover the belt which was used to spank her and it matched some of her bruises.
The medical examination estimated that she had been hit with the belt no less than 20 times.
Detectives arrested 26-year-old Pauline Lee and her fiance, 38-year-old Jeremy Perry. They were charged with child abuse without great harm.
The girl was taken into protective custody by CPS. The police department says Lee had just received custody of the girl one month ago from Michigan Family Court.
Anyone having information with regard to this case is asked to call Bradenton Police Officer Michael Page at 941-932-9314, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip thru the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.
