Arrest Warrant Issued For Decatur Woman In Child Battery Case

DECATUR, IL — A warrant was issued Monday for the arrest of a Decatur woman who failed to show up to court to face an aggravated battery charge in a case involving a child. Herald-Review reported Terrica L. Patterson, 28, is accused of battering a 7-year-old child because he failed to do housework. Patterson was due in Macon County Circuit Court on Monday for a charge of aggravated battery causing bodily harm, but a judge issued a warrant for her arrest when Patterson didn't show up, Herald-Review reported.

According to the news report, a sworn affidavit supporting the charge against Patterson said Decatur police were called to Johns Hill Magnet School by staff on April 10 when the young boy showed up to class with bruises on the left side of his face, which resembled a hand with finger marks.

In the affidavit, the boy was quoted explaining he'd been hit by Patterson for getting bad grades and for not cleaning up.

According to Herald-Review, The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is overseeing the boy’s welfare, and Patterson is not allowed to have contact with him without their permission.

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