Foster mother to appear in court in child beating

Suzanne Jelitko-Bell, 43, is charged with gross misdemeanor child abuse for allegedly pulling the boy from her car, slapping him repeatedly, then lifting the child from the ground by his hair and ears and slamming his head into the car.

A witness called police and reported the incident. Jelitko-Bell allegedly admitted she was wrong for what she did. Her natural born son and vehicle were released to her husband.

The 5-year-old foster child was taken into custody by Child Protective Services. She was released on $40,000 bail.

If convicted she faces one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.