VERNAL — A Vernal mother is facing a criminal charge accusing her of becoming angry at her 5-year-old daughter and breaking her leg.
Jessica Michelle Carter, 31, was charged Monday in 8th District Court with aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony.
On Saturday, the 5-year-old girl pushed her 3-year-old sister off a window sill. Carter became angry at the child and "picked up her daughter and threw her to the hard flooring of the home," according to charging documents.
"Jessica stated that she was so mad that she began to kick the victim while she was on the floor and did not stop until her husband stopped her," a police affidavit affidavit states.
"Among other injuries, the child suffered a broken leg due to the incident," the charges say.
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.
