Mother suspected of child abuse

Felecia Sweeden, 29 of Porterville, was taken into custody Tuesday on suspicion of child abuse and being under the influence of a controlled substance after police were called to a residence in the 100 block of East Henderson Avenue, the Porterville Police Department reported.

Accoridng to police, they went to the residence to check the welfare of a small child who had possibly become the victim of child abuse.

“At the residence, detectives contacted Sweeden and her two small children, ages 4 and 6. During the investigation the 4-year-old child was found to have fresh bruising to the side of his face, which is believed to be caused by Sweeden,” police said.

Sweeden was arrested on suspicion of child abuse, and because she showed signs of recent narcotic use, she was arrested on suspicion for being under the influence of a controlled substance as well.

Both children were released into the custody of the Child Welfare Services and Sweeden was booked into the custody of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.