Bartow arrested for "whooping" girl with belt | News

Bartow, FL -- Bartow police have arrested a man for allegedly beating a young female relative with a belt.

According to Bartow police, this past Sunday, 42-year-old James Franklin Joiner "maliciously and intentionally" struck the victim on her back, buttocks and upper legs with woven leather.

As a result, they say the victim sustained numerous bruises to the back, several of which resulted in lacerations.

These injuries were severe enough that the victim was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center for an assessment.

During an interview with investigators, Bartow police say the victim disclosed that Joiner had taken her to his bedroom and closed the door, then began to strike her an estimated 20 to 30 times for alleged misbehavior.

While at the hospital, police say blood tests also showed there was blood in the child's urine, consistent with damage to the kidneys or other internal organs. During the investigation, investigators say they made contact with Joiner, who allegedly told them that he was "ashamed" and "embarrassed", but felt she needed discipline.

Joiner, they say, admitted he had taken the child to his room and proceeded to "spank" her with a belt on no less than 10 occasions.

When showed photographs of the injuries to the victim, Joiner, say police, admitted that they were "excessive".

Joiner, they say, told investigators that it "wasn't a spanking, its a whooping", then turned over the photographs and stated that he was "ashamed" and that the photographs of the child's injuries were "sick" and made him "cringe".

Joiner, they say, offered no explanation for the severity of the incident, other than the child needed to be disciplined.

Joiner was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail, charged with aggravated assault.