Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
A Fort Belvoir woman has admitted guilt in a case involving severe assault and child cruelty. China Ashley Charles, 38, pleaded guilty to charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to children.
Court documents reveal that on October 8, 2024, Charles became enraged over her child's messy bedroom. In response, she used various objects to strike the 10-year-old boy, including a chair, dresser drawers, a hot iron, a charging wire, a hairbrush, and a large serving spoon. The child managed to block an attempted blow to his face with the iron using his hands. When struck with the charging wire, the child's finger was cut and began bleeding.
In an attempt to conceal her actions, Charles made the child sit in cold water. Despite this effort at concealment, the child escaped by dropping from his second-floor bedroom onto the roof before jumping down and fleeing. Police later found him with significant bruises and abrasions.
Numerous items were recovered from Charles's residence by law enforcement officers. These included objects used in the assault as well as clothing marked with "I’M ON PUNISHMENT" in black marker. Blood matching that of the victim was found on several items.
The child's sister reported ongoing abuse over four years. Charles faces sentencing on May 9 and could receive up to 16 years in prison; however, actual sentences for federal crimes often fall below maximum penalties.
The announcement of this plea was made by Erik S. Siebert of the Eastern District of Virginia and Jake Cameron from the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division following its acceptance by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys April N. Russo and Marc J. Birnbaum along with Special Assistant U.S Attorney Claire M Horrell are handling prosecution duties for this case.
Further details can be accessed through official websites related either directly or indirectly via PACER under Case No:1:24-cr-248
