A child suffered visible injuries after prosecutors say her Round Lake Beach father allegedly punched her and beat her with a belt.
Roy P. Richard, 36, of Round Lake Beach, was charged with two counts of domestic battery causing bodily harm and domestic battery physical contact.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Emma Smoler said officers responded after a child was found sleeping outside on April 8.
The child is Richard’s teenage daughter, Smoler said.
The girl told officers that she ran away from home because her father is abusive.
Smoler said that Richard picked up his daughter days prior and punched her twice.
They got home and Richard continued to hit her, Smoler said.
Richard allegedly told officers he punched the child’s left arm with a closed fist while lecturing her.
He also told officers that he hits her with a belt multiple times on the back of her legs and buttocks, Smoler said.
The victim had significant deep bruising on both arms and on the back of her leg.
The child was evaluated at the hospital and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was notified. DCFS later released her to a family member.
Officers arrested Richard and transported him to the Lake County Jail.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak allowed Richard to be released on a personal recognizance bond and ordered him to have no contact with the victim unless allowed by DCFS.
A date for the next court hearing in the case was not immediately available.