A Florida woman is accused of beating her daughter, then sending her to middle school wearing a T-shirt that said, in handwritten text, that she had gotten a "good woopin" for getting bad grades, police said.
Melany Joyce Alexander, 31, is facing child abuse charges after authorities say she beat her daughter with a belt and then publicly shamed her, according to the Hernando County sheriff's office. She was arrested Friday.
The front and back of the t-shirt said the following:
"My name is (word removed) I currently have all F's in all of my classes. I am not aloud to have a boyfriend no time soon. So back off before I get another good woopin like I got last night. Also I can no longer have ANY friends until ALL of my F's are ALL brought up to C's and up!!! So unless you are helping me with this goal... BACK OFF!!! My eating french fries & being a social butterfly is over because I know why my parents send me to school. I now know the education. I will learn. I will listen to my teachers and be respectful, at all times. I will do these things because I am failing (word removed) due to my social life. Want to be my friend :) Help me by not!!!"
Deputies say the student was found with numerous bruises and belt marks from her shoulders down to her wrists. The child said the marks were from being struck by a belt many times Thursday evening.
School officials gave the child an appropriate shirt to wear.
Department of Children and Families responded to the case and said the bruises and marks were excessive.
While being transported to jail, deputies say Alexander stated she did use excessive force while striking her daughter with a belt.
Local
The child's mother is being held with a $2,500 bond and was ordered to not have contact with the child. It is unclear if she has an attorney.
