Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the arrest of Talisha Lavette Smith (DOB 7-11-82 of 194 Fox Glove Circle, Columbia 29229) in connection with the abuse of a child in her care.

Sheriff Lott stated that on March 19, 2008 Smith slapped a 7 month old child that was in her care, causing severe injury to the child’s face and brain. The parents of the child noticed a mark on the child’s face and questioned Smith – Smith stated that the child injured herself but when the parents returned home they noticed the child was in need of medical attention. The parents took the child to the hospital where it was confirmed that the child had received injuries that were clearly not accidental. Sheriff Lott added that the hospital and parents contacted the Sheriff’s Department – investigators interviewed Smith who admitted to slapping the child in the face.   

Sheriff Lott stated that not only is this disturbing because this was a helpless child who relied upon an adult to care for her, but that the child was slapped on the left side of the face and doctors told investigators that the injury to the child’s brain is on the right side; indicating the child was hit extremely hard.   

• Smith has been charged with one count of Great Bodily Injury Upon a Child
• Smith was operating a child care facility inside her home
• Smith was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on March 21, 2008

March 25, 2008