On May 7, 2022, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to a residence after a juvenile reported that their mother, 34-year-old Saleta Williams, kicked them twice and threatened to break their foot. The juvenile left their mother’s residence and went to see their grandmother, which is where the officer met them to take a statement. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold explains.

“The juvenile reported their family was being evicted and when the juvenile was not packing to Williams’ standards, Williams physically assaulted them, causing injury and pain,” Arnold said. “When officers contacted Williams, officers noted indicators of alcohol impairment and noticed Williams slightly slurring her speech. Williams made comments to the officer regarding being done with her child and wanting to get rid of them.”

According to court documents, Williams kicked the juvenile two times in the back of their right calf. The juvenile pulled up their pant leg and showed the officer their calf. The officer observed two areas that were exhibiting discoloration, which the officer knows to be indicative of the beginnings of a bruising pattern.

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The juvenile also reported that there has been a lot of abuse from Williams in the past six months, including “suffocation” and a chest injury.

“In the preliminary investigation, officers learned of multiple reports to Child Family Services involving Williams abusing or neglecting the juvenile in her residence over the last several months,” Arnold said. “Officers worked in coordination with CFS to ensure the juvenile in the home would be safe.”

The officer contacted CFS and learned that there have been six reports of Williams abusing or neglecting the juvenile over the last year.

Williams ultimately stated that law enforcement was at fault for not governing her child. When the officer explained that parents are responsible for their own children, Williams said, “Oh my god, f**k off.”

When asked directly whether she had hit the juvenile that day, Williams said she had not and there is no reason they should be exhibiting signs of injury. Based on all the evidence to the contrary, the officer placed Williams under arrest and transported her to jail.

Williams is currently being charged with felony assault on a minor and partner or family member assault, first offense.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.

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