Couple charged in child abuse case

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Robert and Iryna Anderson. –CONTRIBUTED
Robert and Iryna Anderson. –CONTRIBUTED

NAUGATUCK — A borough couple is facing charges as the result of a child abuse investigation.

Robert Anderson, 46, of 127 Kingswood Drive, was charged with multiple crimes Dec. 2 after police say he hit a 13-year-old boy with a belt.

Officer Mike Favale of the Naugatuck Police Department said a teacher at the teen’s school noticed bruises on the boy Dec. 2 and told the school’s resource officer, who in turn initiated an investigation.

The investigation determined Robert Anderson struck the boy, who suffered substantial bruising on his arms, lower back, thighs and wrists, with a belt the night before, Favale said. He said the boy reported he was struck during an argument over money missing from change jars kept by Robert Anderson.

Police went to the home where Robert Anderson and his wife, 30-year-old Iryna Anderson, were arrested, Favale said.

Police said Iryna Anderson was present when the child was struck. She was charged with risk of injury to a child.

Robert Anderson was charged with assault in the third degree, risk of injury to a child, reckless endangerment in the second degree and cruelty to persons.

Favale said the Department of Children and Families took the child into custody.

Robert and Iryna Anderson were given court dates of Dec. 3 to appear at Waterbury Superior Court. Robert Anderson was released on a $50,000 bond. Iryna Anderson was released on a $5,000 bond.