Mom accused of burning 'wimp' into child

updated 8:19 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2008

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. - A West Virginia mother faces charges after being accused of burning the word "wimp" into her 6-year-old daughter's neck.

Tammy Smith is charged with five counts of child abuse and of malicious assault, all felonies.

Moundsville Police Chief Jim Kudlak said Saturday that the child told police that her mother used a cigarette to burn her. Smith's daughter told authorities that her mother burned her because she was angered that the girl tripped and fell.

An employee at the child's school noticed the burns and police were called Wednesday. The girl is in foster care.

The 43-year-old Smith is being held in jail on $50,000 bond. Kudlak says he doesn't think she has an attorney yet.

Moundsville is in northern West Virginia.

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