A Centralia man accused of beating a child in his care with a belt in January and August is facing assault charges in Lewis County Superior Court.
Child Protective Services (CPS) reported the case to the Centralia Police Department on Jan. 12.
The child, who was 8 years old in January, had reportedly “gotten in trouble at school” on Jan. 9, was absent from school Jan. 10-11, and told school staff “it was because (a man) hit him with a belt” when asked why he was absent, according to court documents.
CPS took photos of the child’s injuries, which included circular injuries near the shoulder blade and linear bruises on the mid-back, on Jan. 12. A doctor who examined the photos noted, “These bruises would be consistent with the history of being hit with a belt, as the circular bruises could be from a belt buckle or fastener, and the linear bruises would be consistent with the edges of the belt,” according to court documents.
When questioned, the suspect, identified as Edman Hidalgo Castillo, 25, indicated that he stopped spanking (the child) because he was not sure how hard to hit him,” according to court documents.
The child’s school contacted the Centralia Police Department on Aug. 31 to report the child had arrived at school with visible bruising in his arm and back. When asked, the child “reported that it was from (the suspect) hitting him with a belt,” according to court documents.
The child was reportedly taken into CPS custody and currently lives with a relative, according to court documents.
When questioned by Centralia detectives on Dec. 14, Hidalgo Castillo allegedly described the child as “out of control” and said “nothing worked.” He allegedly admitted that the injuries sustained by (the child) were from him hitting (the child) with a belt” and said “he believed several other bruises were from playing.” CPS reportedly asked him “if he could refrain from using a belt as punishment,” to which Hidalgo Castillo allegedly “advised he would try the things he has learned through the services, but couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t use the belt again,” according to court documents.
Lewis County Jail records indicate Hidalgo Castillo was arrested and booked into the jail just after 11:10 a.m. on Dec. 14. He was charged Dec. 15 in Lewis County Superior Court with one count each of domestic violence second-degree assault of a child and domestic violence third-degree assault of a child.
Judge J. Andrew Toynbee ruled to allow Hidalgo Castillo to be released on $10,000 unsecured bail on Friday due to the age of the allegations and Hidalgo’s lack of criminal history.
His conditions of release include provisions that he not supervise any children until the case is resolved.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21.
