Fla. deputy charged with child abuse

PENSACOLA, Florida (WALA) - An Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy is being held without bond for alleged child abuse.

According to the arrest report, Mildred Blanche Goodwin and her son were involved in an altercation. She was attempting to discipline her son, and tried to strike him in the leg with her department issued expandable baton. Her son attempted to block the strike and received injuries to his right forearm and wrist.

“Our investigation revealed that Goodwin’s chosen discipline method was outside normal standards and met the statutory requirements for child abuse,” said Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Chris Welborn.

Goodwin was hired as a deputy in November 2009. She was placed on administrative leave and relieved of all law enforcement authority. She also had her department issued weapon, equipment and credentials confiscated.

The 40-year-old mother is charged with cruelty towards child-infliction of physical or mental injury.