(WKYT) -A man was arrested on Sept. 17 following a child abuse investigation, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the investigation began Aug. 16 after the sheriff’s office received a report of abuse of a 7-year-old child from the Cabinet of Health and Family Services.
The sheriff department says the child returned home with “dark colored” handprint-shaped bruises after a visit with 44-year-old John Paul Smith.
Smith reportedly told the child’s grandmother that the child was his and he would discipline him however he wanted, authorities say.
Officials say Smith was interviewed and arrested. He was served with an active Emergency Protective Order and is facing a charge for first degree criminal abuse of a child 12-years-old or younger.