Chattanooga police arrest mom on child abuse charges

photo Claudia Sanchez

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Chattanooga police arrested Claudia Sanchez, 34, on three counts of aggravated child abuse at approximately 9:32 p.m. Saturday.

Ernque Herrera, who was staying at the 113 Sequoia Drive residence, said he saw Sanchez abuse her three children with items including an iron, cable cords and various toys in the home, as well as her fist.

Herrera provided cellphone pictures of bruises on the children. The children indicated their mother had beaten them when police spoke to them, and police found previous marks on their bodies.

Sanchez admitted to disciplining her children, but did not indicate if she used any items to do so.

Shirley Baker of the Child Protective Service said Sanchez has a history of abusing her children.

CPS took Sanchez’s children into custody, and she was booked into the Hamilton County Jail with $15,000 bail.

Sanchez’s court date is scheduled for Aug. 2 with Judge Gary Starnes.

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