DHS worker charged with assaulting two children

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Department of Human Services child protective worker in Linn County was recently charged with assaulting two children, ages 8 and 13 at her home in Cedar Rapids.

Virginia R. Jones, 38, will be arraigned Dec. 10 in Linn County Associate District Court on two charges, assault causing bodily injury, a serious misdemeanor, and assault, a simple misdemeanor. She is accused of assaulting an 8-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy between Aug. 11 and 24 in her residence, according to a criminal complaint filed Oct. 28.

According to the complaint, the 8-year-old girl told investigators that Jones struck her on the back, neck, bottom and legs, causing bruising and red marks. The 13-year-old boy told investigators Jones slapped him in the face and pulled his hair. The boy took photos of the 8-year-old's injuries and turned them over to investigators.

Assistant Linn County attorney Laurie Craig said she couldn't provide further information, only what was in the criminal complaint.      

Amy McCoy, spokesperson for DHS, said Jones was hired in November of 2006 and there was no 'end' date or discharge date. McCoy said a criminal charge could impact employment but declined to provide further information, citing personnel records are confidential.

If convicted, Jones faces fines and up to a year in jail.