Crime & Safety
Woman Arrested for Beating 12-Year-Old Niece, Police Say
Joliet investigators got involved after Thigpen School officials noticed the girl's injured face, Capt. Tab Jensen said.
A Joliet woman who took custody of her 12-year-old niece and then severely beat her on several occasions was arrested Tuesday on child abuse-related charges, Joliet Police Capt. Tab Jensen said.
Leticia Williamson-Jewell, 40, was picked up on a warrant following an investigation that began Aug. 28 when officials at Lynne Thigpen School notified police after questioning the girl about a bruise under her eye and several bumps on her forehead, Jensen said.
The girl, who has lived with her aunt since January, told investigators Williamson-Jewell had hit her on numerous occasions, sometimes using a cord, he said.
Williamson-Jewell, of 105 Edward St., took custody of her sister's children -- ages 7 to 13 -- at the beginning of the year, Jensen said. He did not know the status of the children's parents.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified of the abuse allegations and removed all four children from Williamson-Jewell's care. Her own children, ages 18 and 13, were allowed to remain at Williamson-Jewell's home, Jensen said.
Williamson-Jewell was charged with two counts of aggravated battery of a child, five counts of domestic battery, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and one count each of child endangerment and unlawful restraint. She is being held in Will County jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.
The girl, who has lived with her aunt since January, told investigators Williamson-Jewell had hit her on numerous occasions, sometimes using a cord, he said.
Williamson-Jewell, of 105 Edward St., took custody of her sister's children -- ages 7 to 13 -- at the beginning of the year, Jensen said. He did not know the status of the children's parents.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified of the abuse allegations and removed all four children from Williamson-Jewell's care. Her own children, ages 18 and 13, were allowed to remain at Williamson-Jewell's home, Jensen said.
Williamson-Jewell was charged with two counts of aggravated battery of a child, five counts of domestic battery, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and one count each of child endangerment and unlawful restraint. She is being held in Will County jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
