A Leesburg woman is facing a child abuse charge after police say she struck a juvenile hard enough to bust the child's lip during an argument over household chores, with officers noting she appeared intoxicated when they arrived. Krystal Jeannie Caussade, 43, was booked into the Lake County Jail and later released after posting a $2,000 bond.
According to Leesburg-News.com, a Leesburg Police Department officer responded to Caussade's home around 10:50 p.m. on October 28 regarding a report of child abuse. The arrest report states the juvenile had just returned home after spending time with friends and found Caussade intoxicated inside the house.
Argument Over Chores Turns Physical
The arrest report says the juvenile and Caussade got into an argument about helping around the house, and that the dispute escalated when Caussade hit the juvenile in the face, leaving a busted lip. The report describes Caussade striking the child with an open hand.
When officers spoke with the juvenile, the child's inner lips were bleeding, the report states. The juvenile reportedly showed law enforcement a recording of the altercation. The report also notes that Caussade appeared impaired, with slurred speech and other signs consistent with intoxication.
Officers Describe Signs of Impairment
During the police interview, Caussade displayed swaying, slurred speech, glossy bloodshot eyes, and a strong smell of alcohol, according to the report. Per the same account, Caussade told officers the juvenile had been being “smart,” so she slapped them.
Caussade, who was born in New York, was charged with child abuse domestic battery and booked at the Lake County Jail. She was later released after posting a $2,000 bond.
What Florida Law Says About Child Abuse Charges
Under Florida law, child abuse as defined in section 827.03 of the Florida Statutes includes intentionally inflicting physical or mental injury on a child, or committing an intentional act reasonably expected to cause such injury. The same statute classifies knowing or willful child abuse that does not cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement as a third-degree felony, though the evidence does not establish that this classification applies to Caussade's case specifically.
Separately, Florida's general battery statute, section 784.03, defines battery as intentionally touching or striking another person against that person's will or intentionally causing bodily harm, and generally classifies the offense as a first-degree misdemeanor. The record does not indicate which specific charge was ultimately filed or the case's current status. The Lake County Clerk notes that online court-record availability varies depending on the type of case and the year it originated, meaning further docket details may not yet be publicly searchable.
