28-year-old Jessie Thornton was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for child battery.

The DeKalb County State’s Attorney says on August 23rd, 2017, Thorton poked a child he knew in the hands and feet with a sewing needle, causing injury.

“The child victim and his mother, as well as all children in our community, should be able to live free of violence. The males of our community need to step up for our youths and be role models and show them the love and kindness they deserve. Mr. Thornton’s actions were deplorable and are far away from what reasonable conduct should be,” DeKalb County State’s Attorney Rick Amato said