San Jacinto mother accused of  ‘serious and extensive’ Child Abuse

Riverside County, CA  –  A San Jacinto mother who sheriff’s officials say physically assaulted her 4-year-old son as a form of punishment was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide and felony child abuse.

“The … abuse was serious and extensive,” Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Duckett wrote in a news release.  No other details were provided.

The young victim and his 2-year-old sister were removed from the residence in the 400 block of Main Street, the release said.

Jasmine Lopez, 22, is in custody at the Larry Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. Bail has been set at $1 million.

Sheriff’s deputies got a tip Aug. 9 about possible child abuse and went to investigate.  Lopez was arrested Aug. 22 after investigators received forensic evidence from a medical exam of the children.

Sheriff’s officials encouraged anyone with information about this case or related incidents to call the Hemet station at 951-791-3400.