BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB) – A Battle Creek woman was formally charged in Calhoun County District Court Thursday with two counts of child abuse.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports 25-year-old Ashley Swartout was arrested Monday on a warrant and is facing charges of first and second degree child abuse following an investigation by Battle Creek Police. The first degree count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The alleged victims in the case are twin seven-year-old girls who are Swartout’s step daughters. The police investigation began December 16 when one of the twins was brought into Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and was found to have bruises, swelling to the face and a bloody lip.
Swartout’s bond was set at $10,000 during her arraignment. If bond is posted, she can not have any contact with anyone under 18. A District Court preliminary exam is scheduled for January 14, 2020.
