A 21-year-old Midway woman who admitted she abused her 18-month-old daughter — breaking her leg, bruising her face and exposing her to methamphetamine and marijuana — has been sent to prison.
In court, Judge Gordon Webb sentenced Samantha Sue Laverty to six years in prison.
Given state laws regarding parole, Laverty could be released from prison in less than two years.
The investigation into the abuse began on Sept. 11 of last year when hospital workers contacted the sheriff's office and said the child had a broken femur and "numerous" areas of bruising to her face and one of her arms.
They told authorities Laverty gave conflicting accounts of how the child was injured. The little girl was transferred to Arkansas Children's Hospital for further treatment.
When questioned by investigators, Laverty reportedly gave them conflicting accounts of how the little girl was injured.
One version Laverty reportedly gave investigators was she heard a loud "pop" when picking the child up. In a second version, Laverty said the toddler fell and was wedged between a set of stairs and the outside wall of their mobile home.
In addition to the broken bone and bruising, authorities say the toddler tested positive for "high levels" of amphetamines and cannabinoids, which are substances found in methamphetamine and marijuana. The child also tested positive for marijuana and meth, according to the affidavit filed in the case.
Child abuser learns her fate
Mother admitted she broke her toddler's leg, exposed her to meth, marijuana
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