WEST JORDAN — A 47-year-old West Valley woman is accused of pinching, kicking and beating her 10-year-old nephew with a hanger and belt.
Felita Tahi was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony.
A 10-year-old boy told a West Valley police detective investigating allegations of child abuse that his aunt, Tahi, "pinches" him with her fingers on his "arms, legs, and chest, everywhere," and that when she does it "it looks like 'bruises' and 'his skin coming out,'" according to charging documents.
Prosecutors say investigators also learned that Tahi "hits him with hangers and a belt on his back and said that she's hit him more than one time," the charges state.
The boy recounted another time that Tahi "tried to hit him on the face (with a belt) but it hit his neck, and it 'felt like a bee (sting)," according to the charges. "(The boy) said that Tahi has kicked him in the face and in the hip when he is 'taking too long to do things.' He described that on one occasion, he was looking for something under the couch when Tahi kicked him in the face."
Court documents say the boy was "seen at the hospital" with scars and a bruise on his left armpit.
"When asked what happened, (he) stated that he was hit with a hanger and belt and that 'there is never a last time. But it's been two years because sometimes (he) gets an attitude,'" according to charging documents.
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
