Second arrest made in alleged abuse of two children

A second arrest has been made in connection with the alleged abuse of two small children in Hopkinsville.

According to the Hopkinsville Police report, 27-year-old Donnie Freeman of Hopkinsville is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal child abuse—he is alleged to have used his hand to strike two small children, causing what is described as serious physical injury to the victims.

Twenty-five-year-old Jessica Maddux of Hopkinsville was arrested Thursday and charged with criminal child abuse, having allegedly used a wooden spoon to strike the five and six-year olds, causing bruising to both.

The children reportedly told social workers they were whipped with the spoon as a means of discipline and photos were reportedly taken of the bruising on their buttocks and legs.