A Centralia woman is facing a felony domestic violence charge for allegedly hitting a child under the age of 14 with a belt.
The incident was reported by Centralia Middle School to the Centralia Police Department on Monday, May 12.
The victim reported that she had gotten in trouble at school on Tuesday, May 6, and said that as a result, Angel Dawn Valencia, 45, had struck her repeatedly with a belt.
An officer who responded to Centralia Middle School on May 12 reportedly took photos of the victim’s injuries, which the officer noted “were still visible six days after the beating,” according to Lewis County Superior Court documents.
The victim reportedly sustained significant bruising to both legs, including one bruise with a small puncture mark that appeared “to resemble a belt buckle,” according to court documents.
When questioned, Valencia allegedly admitted to “disciplining” the victim. She allegedly said the victim “received four spankings” and allegedly admitted to hitting the victim’s legs “due to (the victim) turning to avoid being spanked,” according to court documents.
Valencia was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail at approximately 6:06 p.m. on Monday, May 12, according to jail records.
She was charged Tuesday, May 13, with one count of third-degree assault, domestic violence.
Valencia was released from custody on her own personal recognizance following her preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, May 22.
A no-contact order in favor of the victim is in place.
