A Rapid City woman convicted of child abuse was sentenced Monday to four years of probation in Pennington County Circuit Court.
Janelle Vela pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse as part of a plea agreement that dismissed three other charges involving two children, ages 14 and 11.
Judge Joshua Hendrickson granted a suspended imposition of sentence, meaning the conviction can be removed from Vela’s record if she successfully completes probation. If she violates the terms, she could face prison time.
During the hearing, a 14-year-old victim delivered an emotional statement describing the lasting effects of the abuse and expressing mixed feelings about Vela.
Prosecutors said Vela spanked the children hard enough to leave marks and required them to perform physical workouts as punishment, sometimes causing them to miss school.
Defense attorney Angela Colbath said Vela accepted responsibility, completed anger management classes and has maintained employment while out on bond. Hendrickson cited Vela’s lack of prior criminal history in imposing the sentence.
A co-defendant, Nicholas Floyd, remains charged with two counts of child abuse and one misdemeanor assault charge. His next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20.
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