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Two Jailed After Injuries To 4-Year-Old Girl

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Two people were jailed Tuesday in connection with injuries to a 4-year-old Burket girl.

Andrew Neal Pettit, 22, of 5152 S. CR 700W, Burket, is charged with battery to a child, and Melinda Sue Barley, 25, of the same address, is charged with neglect of a dependent. Each is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on $2,000 bond.

Barley filed a report with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department April 2 alleging that Pettit battered her daughter.

Prior to that occurrence, a caseworker with the Division of Family and Children reportedly advised Barley that Pettit should move out of the residence.

Pettit is reportedly involved in anger management classes at the Bowen Center and it was recommended that he not discipline the child, according to a police report. Barley told officials that she left the child alone with Pettit despite knowing that he shouldn't have direct contact with her.

Barley also allegedly told a caseworker that she didn't want Pettit to move out of her residence.

The child reportedly suffered bruises after Pettit disciplined her with a belt. He also allegedly made her stand in a corner for an indefinite length of time.