A Roseville mother is behind bars after videos that raced across social media allegedly showed her striking a child, kicking off a criminal case that now has her facing misdemeanor charges in district court.
Amber Criner, 32, was arraigned Wednesday on two counts of fourth‑degree child abuse, misdemeanors that can carry up to a year in jail. She was ordered held on a $50,000 cash/surety bond, with 10 percent required to post for release, and is scheduled to return to court for a probable‑cause conference on May 13.
What the charges mean
Fourth‑degree child abuse in Michigan is typically charged as a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail. The state’s court guidance describes fourth‑degree offenses as reckless acts that cause physical harm or create an unreasonable risk of harm to a child, according to the Michigan Judicial Institute.
Prosecutors said the two counts filed in Criner’s case represent the most serious charges they can bring based on the evidence they have right now.
How the case came to light
Macomb County prosecutors say the investigation was sparked by video footage circulating on social platforms and that those clips are the foundation of the charges, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The social‑media videos were described by authorities as the primary evidence supporting the misdemeanor counts.
“I understand the public is concerned after seeing the videos on social media. Our priority is to ensure accountability and to protect vulnerable members of our community,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement provided to FOX 2 Detroit. His office distributed that statement as the case moved through arraignment, drawing public attention to how online content can end up at the center of child‑protection inquiries.
Arraignment and what comes next
Criner appeared Wednesday in the 39th District Court in Roseville, where Judge Kathleen E. Tocco handled the initial proceedings and set bond, according to New Media Detroit. The court’s Roseville location and judicial bench are listed on the City of Roseville website.
Criner is due back in the 39th District Court for a probable‑cause hearing on May 13, according to New Media Detroit.
Prosecutors say their review of the video evidence is ongoing as the case develops, and they are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office or Roseville police.
Criner remains in custody and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
