A 27-year-old Florida woman faces child abuse charges after admitting to striking her 7-year-old autistic son with a belt because he kissed a classmate on the cheek. The incident followed a report from the boy's school, leading to visible injuries and his removal from the home. Police documented the boy's account and the mother's confession during questioning.
Kelly Michel, 27, was arrested on Thursday night in Miami-Dade County and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center early Friday morning. She is accused of one count of child abuse without great bodily harm and was released on $2,500 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 27.
The incident occurred on a Tuesday when the 7-year-old boy returned home from school. According to a police affidavit, the boy explained that a classmate had fallen at school, and he kissed the classmate on the cheek to help him feel better. Some students informed the teacher, who then notified the boy's parents.
Upon learning this, Michel allegedly used a brown belt to punish the child. The boy disclosed to investigators from the University of Miami Child Protection Team that "the defendant hit him on his face with a belt," and he urinated on himself while recounting the event. Child welfare agents noted visible injuries, including purple and red marks on the side of his face and bruises on various body areas. They recommended removing the child from Michel's residence.
Police observed a red dot bruise in the boy's right eye, a purple and red bruise from his right cheek to behind his right ear, line marks on his left arm, and a bruise behind his legs. The boy confirmed the use of a brown belt.
That evening, after being read her Miranda rights at the police station, Michel admitted to the punishment. "[The defendant] admitted to using a brown belt to punish the victim," the affidavit states. "She added that she hit him several times on his arm and buttocks. She also said that because he was moving around, the belt opened up and hit him in his eye."
The case was referred to law enforcement by a Department of Children and Families investigator after the boy's interview with the Child Protection Team.