CALLAWAY — A Callaway woman has been charged with allegedly using lit cigarettes to burn a child’s behind as a form of punishment, according to Panama City Police Department records.
Brandon H. Keefer, 28, 615 S. Gay Ave.,was arrested on aggravated child abuse charges Monday by Bay County deputies after a brief pursuit, authorities said.
PCPD received word from the Scherville, Ind., Police Department about an alleged child abuse that took place during a Christmas visit to Bay County, according to arrest reports.
The identity and age of the child have not been released due to the nature of the case. Keefer’s relation to the child was redacted from official documents, and Indiana officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
An Indiana officer contacted PCPD with the information Jan. 27. The child’s father had brought the youngster into the Scherville Police Department earlier to report being abused by Keefer between Dec. 1 and 23 when the child was in Bay County on Christmas break, officers reported.
The Indiana officer noted several injuries on the child’s body consistent with being burned with a cigarette, including burns on the child’s behind, PCPD said.
During an interview with the Indiana Department of Children and Families, the child said Keefer “spanks me with cigarettes,” police reported.
PCPD attempted to locate Keefer at her local address several times following the call with no success, police reported, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated battery on a child. She was held on a $5,000 bond.
Since they got the initial report, Panama City Police handled the call, but the arrest was made by BCSO.