A troubling incident in Louisiana has led to criminal charges against a young mother after a concerned citizen made a 911 call. The caller reported seeing a young child who appeared to have been beaten and was wearing a trash bag as clothing.
Haily Bellard, a 21-year-old mother from Allen Parish, now faces charges of second-degree cruelty to juveniles, aggravated battery, and domestic abuse battery. According to a statement from the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident came to light last Thursday when authorities received the alarming report.
Deputies quickly responded to the call and found a 4-year-old child with injuries on their back and legs. The injuries seemed to have been caused by being struck with an object multiple times, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
During their investigation, deputies learned that the child’s injuries were allegedly the result of discipline by the mother. Authorities say Bellard used a plastic utensil to strike the child several times and then forced the child to wear a plastic trash bag instead of proper clothing.
The child was taken to Allen Parish Hospital for medical attention and was later released. Thankfully, they are now safe and recovering.
Detectives on the case spoke with witnesses to gather more information and later arrested Bellard. She was booked into the Allen Parish Jail, where she is awaiting a bond hearing.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance in protecting children. If you ever suspect abuse, don’t hesitate to alert local authorities. Your action could make all the difference.
