Collins mother charged with child neglect

JONES COUNTY, MS. - The following is a press release from the Jones County Sheriff's Department.

On August 1, 2017, Jones County Sheriff’s Investigators were called to South Central Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room with a report of possible child abuse. A three-month old male infant was brought to the hospital after a concerned citizen contacted authorities and reported the baby had marks on him.

The child had red bruising on his stomach, legs, foot and face. There were also marks on the side of his face. The marks on his body cleared showed small teeth impressions, as from a child. After questioning, it was discovered the baby had a one year old sister, who likes to bite.

During the on-site investigation, it was determined Kayla Reeves, 23 of Collins, was supposed to be watching and caring for the child. When deputies arrived at a residence on Scoggins Drive where Reeves was staying, she stated the baby was in her custody and she was the responsible party. She was taken into custody and initially charged with Felonious Child Abuse. That charge was later changed to Child, Contributing to Delinquency or Neglect, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. This is an ongoing investigation. Additional arrests are pending.