Rockford alderwoman faces domestic battery charge after punishing daughter with belt

Rockford Ald. Janessa Wilkins, D-7, has been charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after police say she hit her teenaged daughter with a leather belt.

Wilkins, 40, told police she was attempting to discipline her daughter after the teenager had taken $200 from her bedroom without permission, according to charging documents filed in Winnebago County Court.

Police said the girl was struck in the left arm and legs. The incident was reported by school officials. Wilkins was charged Feb. 27.

Wilkins said she will plead not guilty to the charge, but declined to comment until she speaks with her lawyer.

The charge Wilkins’ faces is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, two years probation and a $2,500 fine.

Wilkins was given a notice to appear in court March 14.

She is running for re-election in the April 1 consolidated election and is expected to appear on the ballot unopposed.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on Twitter @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford alderwoman charged with domestic battery