Jasmine Soria, 29, was booked into the Wayne County Jail on Wednesday after warrants accused her of using a belt to assault a child and then strangling the child with it, according to WCTI 12. She faces charges of assault by strangulation and child abuse.
The warrants cited by WCTI allege that Soria struck a child under 12 across the back with a belt. They further allege that she used the belt to strangle the child, leaving the child unable to breathe.
The alleged conduct is the basis for the assault-by-strangulation and child-abuse charges. The court information cited in the report does not provide additional details about the child's condition.
Bond Set at $70,000
Soria was given a $70,000 secured bond after her booking, according to the station's report. She was scheduled to appear in court Thursday, but the result of that hearing has not been reported.
Child-welfare context in Wayne County
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' SFY2024 county data, Wayne County's all-child-victimization rate was 6.38 per 1,000 children. The verified county figure provided here does not include a statewide rate, so it does not establish how Wayne County compares with North Carolina overall. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidance says suspected child abuse or neglect must be reported to the county Department of Social Services.
The case remains in its early stages. No information has been made public about which agency investigated the allegations or whether Soria has entered a plea. Wayne County court proceedings will determine how the charges move forward.
