In January, CPS took custody of a nine-year-old boy after they were called to his elementary school because he had several marks and bruises to his body. The boy told authorities the injuries were caused by his grandmother, Cheryl Leonard, and his aunt, Melaine Leonard. He says the two women struck him with a stick and a belt.
Court documents state that Cheryl admitted spanking the boy with a stick and Melaine admitted spanking him with a belt. Officials felt the level of force used was not discipline and rose to the level of abuse. Both women are charged with injury to a child.
The boy was removed from the Leonards' home and placed in the custody of his biological father.
