Mother and father charged after toddler beaten in Burke Co.

Burke County, NC - MORGANTON, NC (WBTV) - A Glen Alpine mother has been charged with misdemeanor child abuse after authorities say she watched as her toddler was allegedly beaten by the child's father.

Alecia Danielle Nanney, 24, turned herself into authorities last week.

Authorities say Nanney was present inside their home on Homestead Way when 23-year-old Cody Garrett Chadwell, who is Nanney's boyfriend and the child's father, allegedly beat the 23-month-old.

Authorities said they observed numerous bruises on the child's face, arms, legs, back and throat area, and also suffered bleeding in the brain.  The toddler was taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte last week.

Chadwell was charged May 10 with felony intentional child abuse-serious physical injury.

According to a statement from the sheriff's office, Chadwell admitted to "spanking the child too hard because he was stressed about pending court cases."

The sheriff's office says Chadwell's pending court cases were for several breaking and entering incidents.

The child's mother told investigators she didn't spank the child, but was aware that Chadwell was spanking their daughter.

Chadwell is being held at the Burke County Jail without bond.  The mother is not in jail since she was only charged with a misdemeanor.

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