A McAlester woman is facing a child abuse charge after authorities say a child reported being injured during discipline.
Destinie Alsup, 32, has been charged in the Choctaw Nation Tribal Court with child abuse.
According to an affidavit, the investigation began Oct. 2, 2025, when an investigator responded to Puterbaugh Upper Elementary in McAlester after a report of a student with a bruise on his upper right thigh.
The affidavit states the child told a teacher he received the injury when his mother spanked him with a belt. School officials reported the incident, and a referral was made to child welfare authorities.
Investigators later made contact with Alsup at her residence, where she acknowledged the child had a bruise but said it occurred when he fell and hit his leg on a curb while playing. The affidavit states she denied using a belt and said she uses a spoon for discipline.
According to the affidavit, during a forensic interview, the child stated that when he gets in trouble he may receive a spanking, be placed in a corner, or have items taken away.
The affidavit also states a second child reported seeing the incident and said the victim was struck with a belt multiple times, leaving marks on his leg. The child described the belt and said the incident occurred in October 2025.
Court records show bond in the case was set at $50,000, and that Alsup was arrested on March 26.