Monroe Woman Arrested On Cruelty, Drugs Charges

MONROE, La. (AP) — Ouachita Parish deputies have arrested a woman accused of juvenile cruelty and drug possession.

The News-Star reports 27-year-old Ashley Burks of Monroe was booked Wednesday into Ouachita Correctional Center on charges of cruelty to a juvenile, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

An arrest affidavit stated deputies were called to Lakeshore Elementary in reference to a child with suspected belt marks on the arms. The report stated deputies believed the marks were excessive.

When deputies spoke to the child's mother, Burks said her son was a discipline problem at school. Deputies said Burks told them she spanked the child with a belt about eight times.