Mom Charged in 'Whipping' Case Involving 4-Year-Old in Vernon

VERNON, CT — A mom is facing third-degree assault and risk of injury to a child charges in a case of "whipping," that originated at Rockville General Hospital, Vernon police said.

The investigation into 38-year-old Melissa Rauh began in June, according to a 12-page warrant filed this week.

According to a warrant, a Vernon detective was at the hospital monitoring a prisoner when he was approached about a 4-year-old boy who was claiming his mother "whipped him." Rauh said the child was at the hospital because of "anger issues," and threats that he may harm himself, according to a warrant.

The child had "red marks" and bruises on the buttocks and back that a nurse said was consistent with whipping, according to a warrant.

Police and the state Department of Children and Families then began investigating the case after the child was examined at the hospital, according to a warrant.

Several witnesses were interviews in the case, according to a warrant.

Rauh had moved to her current address at 82 Union Street in Vernon from New Hampshire, where she has a criminal history that includes assault and receiving stolen property, according to a warrant.

Photo Credit: VPD