Corrections Officer Assaulted Child At Juvenile Detention Center: Cops

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A staff member assaulted a child at the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center on Sunday, the Prince William County Police Department said.

The child, a 15-year-old boy who lives at the detention center, suffered a minor scrape.

Authorities identified the staff member as 55-year-old Kelly Lorenzo Hines. She is charged with one count of assault and battery.

Hines was released on a court summons and her court date is pending.

If convicted, Hines could face up to one year in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

Hines is still employed at the Juvenile Detention Center. "[Hines] has been reassigned until an investigation is completed," a county spokesperson told Patch on Tuesday.

The assault occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday at Juvenile Detention Center in Manassas. Investigators said Hines was speaking with a group of boys when one of them "abruptly stood up."

Hines then grabbed the boy by the neck, according to the police report. Hines and the boy struggled until other staff members separated them.

Authorities pressed charges against Hines on Sunday after consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the police department said.