PHOENIX — A woman has been arrested for abusing her 12-year-old nephew with belts and cords for the past two years.
Phoenix police report that on January 29 officers arrested Natasha Queshawna Gilbert, 26, at her home near 27th and Glendale avenues.
Investigators became aware that Gilbert, who has legal custody of the victim, beat him two to three times a week for the past two years.
Police say the boy has scabs and scars on his arms and thighs.
On one occasion, police say, Gilbert 'whooped him' with a belt in one hand and a cord in the other.
Gilbert allegedly admitted to striking the boy about 2-3 times a week for his behavior, including looking at porn on his phone and her computer.
She also reportedly told police that the injuries are all over his body because "he moves around a lot."
Gilbert has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse.
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.
