CHATTANOOGA, TENN. — A Chattanooga woman, Maria Alvarado, has been arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse after an affidavit revealed she whipped her son for “eating too much.”
The abuse came to light after school staff noticed extensive bruising on the boy’s back and ribs. The school counselor took photos of the injuries and handed them over to police, prompting an investigation.
According to the affidavit, the boy told the counselor that his mother had hit him and that he felt safer with his father. The boy later confided in his father, explaining that his mother had punished him multiple times in the bathroom for eating too much ice cream. The boy further stated that his mother threatened to “cut out his tongue” if he continued eating.
On March 25th, an officer spoke with the father, who confirmed seeing bruises on the boy while they were taking out the trash. The officer also spoke with the boy, who identified the instrument his mother used to strike him — what appeared to be a whip.
When questioned, Alvarado, 32, acknowledged using a “chicote” (a type of whip) on the boy’s back and left cheek. She explained that she became upset because the boy had a weight problem and had eaten a bag of bread and a pack of ice cream.
Alvarado was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse.
