A local woman employed at a domestic violence shelter has entered a plea on child abuse charges connected to an incident involving her son.

28-year-old Ashley Nicole Bell of Pinckney pleaded guilty as charged to 3rd degree child abuse and domestic violence in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday. The charges stem from an incident in which Bell allegedly beat her 9-year-old son with a leather belt until it broke after becoming angry with him.

A report of the incident was made by a family member and received by Pinckney Police May 25th, although the incident occurred several days prior.

Authorities say Bell told officers she worked at a domestic violence shelter’s finance department in Washtenaw County and also volunteered there as an advocate. Bell, who faces up to two years in prison, is set to be sentenced September 21st. She is also scheduled to appear in Livingston County’s family court for a hearing later this month for a pending neglect/abuse case. (DK)