Charged with serious crimes in child abuse case

MONROE – A rural Monroe woman has been charged with two felonies after allegedly punching a teen in the face, pulling her hair and cursing at her.

Kristin M. Prien, 36, appeared in Green County District Court on Monday on charges of child abuse and serious emotional injury to a child. This was Prien's first appearance before District Judge Faun M. Phillipson.

The charges were filed after a tip led to a social worker reporting the alleged abuse; the juvenile victim was then interviewed by county officials at a local school. The abuse allegedly occurred at a Green County home during a heated argument that morning in which the victim was pushed into the corner of the room by the alleged suspect.

“She stated that at some point she simply punched her in the face,” the criminal complaint states. “(The victim) stated that she had her hood up and she grabbed her hood and her hair.”

The punch to her face left a bruise, which the victim reportedly tried to cover with makeup. However, the punch was apparently noticed and reported to the county's child welfare office.

The charge of child abuse/intentional bodily harm is a Class H felony in Wisconsin and carries a maximum prison sentence of six years. Psychological harm to a child is a Class F felony in the state and carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and six months.

At Monday's hearing, Prien was held on bail of $2,000. According to court records, the defendant has no other apparent criminal record in the state. She is scheduled to appear in court again on October 2 at 3:30 p.m. before District Judge Jane Bucher.