ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WUSA9) – Two women were found guilty of child abuse after they took turns beating a 9-year-old with a belt, the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney announced.
Javonie
Harper, 32, and Crystal Evans, 37, of Severn, were found guilty of second-degree child abuse and second-degree assault Friday after a two-day jury trial.
On August 3, 2015, officials say the two took turns beating the child after he took candy without permission.
"Child abuse is inexcusable. No child should be beaten," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams. "I will fight to protect our smallest citizens and appreciate the jury for recognizing the evil actions of these two women whom this child should have been able to trust to care for him."
The 9-year-old had bruises after being hit for several minutes, officials said.
"The photo evidence in this case was extremely disturbing and some of the worst I've ever seen in my time as a prosecutor," said Adams.
The child with living in the home with both women, but officials have not said if they were related.
Harper and Evans face up to 15 years for the child abuse counts and 10 years for the second-degree assault.
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