Abusive mom could get 6 years

A Whitley Circuit Judge will decide this summer what kind of punishment a Corbin mother gets for cruelly punishing her children in late 2009.

On Dec. 14, 2009, Tamara Mills, 34, was indicted on three counts of first-degree criminal abuse, and was scheduled to stand trial Thursday morning.

Instead, she pleaded guilty to three amended charges of second-degree criminal abuse in exchange for prosecutors recommending a six-year sentence.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble said prosecutors will take no position in regards to whether Mills serves time in prison or receives probation, and will leave that decision up to the judge.

The alleged abuse happened on Nov. 1, 2009 when Mills struck a minor child in the face slamming the child into a wall, kicked the child in the stomach, in another instance she hit a minor child with a studded belt and wire hanger, according to her indictment.

Trimble said that there are three degrees in the criminal abuse statute, first, second and third. The statutes are identical exception of one word.

In first-degree criminal abuse cases someone intentionally abuses a child. In second-degree criminal abuse cases they wantonly abuse a child. In third-degree criminal abuse they reckless abuse a child, which is a misdemeanor offense.

“It’s all based on the nature of the intent. There was no serious injury. It was more of a cruel punishment situation,” Trimble said. “I really think it is an appropriate resolution.”

He said social services will determine custody related aspects in regards to the children.

Special Judge Jerry Winchester scheduled formal sentencing for July 5 in front of Circuit Judge Dan Ballou.