A Missouri woman is facing criminal charges after police said she pushed a 7-year-old boy who could not swim into the deep end of a hotel pool.
Woman Accused of Pushing Child Into Pool
Penny Badgett, who was born in 1963, has been charged with child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the incident that happened Saturday at an indoor hotel pool in Sedalia, Missouri.
According to court documents, the boy was sitting near a part of the pool that was about 5½ feet deep when Badgett allegedly pushed or kicked him into the water.
Investigators said the child did not know how to swim.
Child Reportedly Left Frightened
Police said the boy later told authorities he was scared after falling into the pool.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Badgett allegedly told the child’s aunt that she acted because she believed the boy had been “mean to another child.”
Investigators also said Badgett had no previous interaction with the boy before the incident.
Surveillance Video Captured Incident
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from the hotel pool area and said the video clearly showed Badgett standing behind the child before using her foot to push him into the pool.
Police were later able to identify the hotel room where Badgett was staying through electronic door records.
Woman Arrested After Investigation
According to investigators, Badgett initially refused to answer questions without a lawyer present.
However, after officers informed her they had video footage of the incident, she allegedly admitted to pushing the child.
Badgett was booked into the Pettis County Jail on a 24-hour hold before later being released.
Her bond was set at $15,000.
