Babysitter accused of whipping boy 20 times with belt

A Cedar Rapids babysitter has been charged with a felony after she allegedly hit a young boy 20 times with a belt for swearing.

Constance L. Cockhren, 46, has been charged with child endangerment and assault causing bodily injury. She is accused of whipping a 7-year-old boy's buttocks 20 times with the belt on Aug. 2 at her residence, 1802 Grande Ave. SE, police said.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said the boy was not seriously hurt, but was taken to a pediatrician after the incident. The boy's mother reported the incident to police.

A warrant was issued for Cockhren's arrest. Officers arrested her on Aug. 30 and she was taken to the Linn County Jail. She has since been released and is under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Corrections, according to online court records.

A preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 20.