Councilwoman hit child with a belt for stealing, Illinois officials say. She’s charged
An Illinois councilwoman was criminally charged after officials say she used a belt to hit a child who she believed stole from her.
Janessa Wilkins, 40, was charged with domestic battery, according to WIFR.
Wilkins is the 7th ward councilwoman in Rockford.
Her defense attorney did not immediately respond to a March 5 request for comment from McClatchy News.
According to police, on Feb. 26, officers were called for reports of domestic violence, WTVO reported. Wilkins was accused of using a leather belt to hit a teen more than 30 times.
Wilkins later told police she was punishing the teen over stolen money, WIFR reported.
She said she questioned the teen about $200 missing and the teen returned half the money, WREX reported.
The Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the teen, the outlet reported.
Rockford is about a 90-mile drive northwest from Chicago.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Councilwoman hit child with a belt for stealing, Illinois officials say. She’s charged."
