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Wayne County Woman Charged With Child Abuse

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WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — A Wayne County woman has been charged with abusing a child in foster care.

Crystal Ann Bell was arrested and charged with two counts of child abuse. Her arrest comes after Oteria Williams' 2-year-old daughter, Iyanna, was placed in Bell's care by the Wayne County Department of Social Services.

Williams said she first noticed her daughter had bruises on her legs and face. She reported that to Social Services, but she said nothing was done.

Williams later noticed her daughter had burns on both of her feet. Deputies will only say the burns were caused by hot water. According to medical reports, Iyanna had received third-degree burns on her feet.

The Department of Social Services later removed both girls from the foster home and called sheriff's detectives. Williams said she is relieved that her daughter is safe, but she wished it would have happened sooner.

"All this could have been avoided if only my complaints had been answered," he said.

Bell is currently under secured bond at the Wayne County Jail. The Department of Social Services will not talk about the case for confidentiality reasons.

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