Dad charged with beating mentally disabled 4-year-old daughter (Kingsport, Tennessee)

Dad is identified as IVRON Q. ROBERTSON.

http://www.timesnews.net/article/9081681/father-charged-with-abuse-of-mentally-disabled-girl

Father charged with abuse of mentally disabled girl

October 16th, 2014 2:54 pm
by Rain Smith

KINGSPORT — A Kingsport man has been arrested after bruised and swelling wounds were observed on his 4-year-old, mentally disabled daughter — the results of his purported discipline with a belt after she urinated on herself.

An affidavit filed in Kingsport General Sessions Court identified the suspect as Ivron Q. Robertson, 28, 328 Barnett Drive. Court records show Kingsport police were alerted to the alleged abuse on Wednesday by the Department of Children's Services.

The victim reportedly arrived at a Kingsport early learning center "with bruises and welt marks on her legs." Police and a DCS case worker then visited her home on Barnett Drive, where they found Robertson and his wife.

An officer at the scene observed "linear swelling and bruising marks" at the bend of both of the girl's knees as well as her buttocks. Her parents initially denied knowing how the marks came to appear, according to court records, with both stating they had "never whipped" their mentally disabled daughter.

Upon further questioning, Ivron Robertson allegedly admitted that he had caused the lines and impressions on his daughter's skin Monday after she urinated on herself. Robertson allegedly stated the girl "knew better than that," so he disciplined her by whipping her with a belt. He also stated that he had not intended to leave the marks on the mentally disabled girl and "was not trying to abuse (her)."

Officials on scene determined the incident was abusive and placed Robertson under arrest. He was charged with child abuse, a Class E felony considering the victim's age, a charge that's punishable by imprisonment of one to six years and fines.