A Martins Ferry woman is facing child abuse charges Saturday, following an investigation by Martins Ferry police.

Mary Lechner, 56, was arrested and charged with felonious assault and endangering children by abuse after multiple bruises and abrasions were found on a 4-year-old boy, police said.

According to reports, Lechner confessed to forcefully grabbing the child and throwing him to the ground three to five times while the victim stayed at Lechner's house. Police aren't releasing Lechner's address where the incident allegedly occurred at this time. The boy sustained face injuries as well as fingernail marks to the back of his head, police said.

Police said Lechner told officers she struck the back of the child's head, causing him to hit a wall corner that knocked the boy unconscious. She told officers she lost control because the child kept her awake and was defiant, police said.

Officers booked her in the Belmont County Jail about 2 a.m., and Lechner is expected to appear in court next week.

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