Iowa City woman accused of hitting child

IOWA CITY - An Iowa City woman is accused of hitting one of the small children she was caring for.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, on Feb. 1, 48-year-old Kimberly R. Robinson was the primary care provider for three small children. Police said she hit one of the children on the hand and arm three times, causing bruising, redness and swelling.

Police said the child identified Robinson as the one who hit him.

Robinson initially denied striking the child, but later confessed to hitting the boy three times, police said.

Police arrested Robinson on Thursday and she faces one count of child endangerment causing a serious injury, a Class C felony; and assault, a simple misdemeanor. A Class C felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Robinson was charged with possession of a controlled substance in July 2013 when police went to serve her with a warrant for another possession of controlled substance charge. Police said when they served the warrant, they found Robinson had seven needles - at least one of which had been used - and a spoon with heroin residue on it. Robinson was sentenced to two years in prison for that incident, according to online court records.