A Gilbert man is accused of using a belt to hit his stepdaughter causing injuries to their face, arms back, and neck.
Gilbert police report that Monday night they arrested 45-year-old Tony Elizee for child abuse.
Police say Elizee discovered his step-daughter had been communicating with boys on a secret cell phone. He requested that she pull her pants down for discipline, when she refused, he allegedly struck her in the face with the belt.
This left her eye "discolored and bruised," court documents said. He reportedly continued striking the girl as she used her arms to protect her head and face.
He later poured rubbing alcohol on her back, before continuing his attack.
Police say witnesses reported other instances of abuse with other children in the home.
Upon his arrest, Elizee reportedly admitted to using the belt in an "old school disciplinary techniques."
If you suspect a child is being abused, the Arizona Department of Child Services has resources available to report the issue to a social worker. You can call the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445), and will be asked for information about the child, as well as the nature of your concerns. You can also get more information from DCS about reporting abuse or neglect online.
