SHARE

South Jersey Guardian Admits Starving Child, Beating Her With Metal Spatula: Prosecutor

A 58-year-old woman from Galloway has admitted to starving a 9-year-old girl and beating her, authorities said.

Stephanie Gregory

Stephanie Gregory

Photo Credit: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

Stephanie Gregory pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 23, to two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Gregory was the legal guardian of three siblings, 

The prosecutor previously said she used a metal spatula in the beatings.

The beat the child in front of another 6-year-old sibling, officials have said.

The beatings led to open wounds and welts on the child’s body, they said.

When the girl was removed from the home by child protective workers, she was extremely emaciated and could barely walk, they said. She was hospitalized for a week, the prosecutor said. 

The plea agreement calls for Gregory to serve five years in New Jersey State Prison. Her sentencing is set for Aug. 21.

Additionally, Gregory is to have no contact with the victims or their biological mother, the prosecutor said.

Gregory admitted that she caused the 9-year-old girl harm by "willfully and knowingly failing to provide proper and sufficient food for the child, resulting in her severe malnutrition and hospitalization," the prosecutor said.

Further, Gregory admitted to having a 6-year-old sibling witness her striking the first child, the prosecutor said.

to follow Daily Voice Atlantic and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE