A Winlock man is facing a felony charge for allegedly hitting a child under the age of 13 with a belt in March.
Martin Allen Hicks, 40, was charged April 30 in Lewis County Superior Court with one count of third-degree assault of a child after the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated an incident that was reported on March 14.
The reporting party advised that he had picked up his two children from a relative, identified as Hicks, and “was advised” that one of the children had seen Hicks strike the other with a belt, according to court documents.
A deputy confirmed that the victim had a large welt surrounded by redness and visible bruising on his right buttocks, according to court documents.
When questioned, Hicks allegedly admitted to striking the child with a belt after “the kids had gotten into an argument over a video game and started to get physical with each other,” according to court documents.
Hicks’ wife reportedly separated the children and attempted to discipline the victim, but the victim “was refusing.”
Hicks allegedly said “he was concerned for his wife, so he took off his belt and struck (the victim) with it,” according to court documents.
Hicks was issued a summons notice for a May 13 preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court, which he was present for.
A judge ruled Tuesday to allow Hicks to remain out of custody on his own personal recognizance for the duration of his case.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, May 22.
A no-contact order in favor of the victim is in place.
