Police say 32-year-old admitted to getting frustrated, aggravated

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

A Cassville woman is facing a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge after allegedly throwing a toddler onto a cot at a local daycare facility.

Brittney Lassiter, 32, of Cassville, is charged with felony first-degree endangerment of a child and misdemeanor fourth-degree assault.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Billy Forester, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, on July 31, Deputy Clevenger responded to an address in Shell Knob for a report of alleged child abuse.

Upon arrival, Clevenger met with a witness wanting to file a report regarding a local daycare employee allegedly throwing her child, who was under 2 years old, on the ground.

Forester said Clevenger collected a video recording of the incident from the daycare showing the victim crawling out of a sleeping cot when Lassiter allegedly walked toward the child, and from a standing position, leaned over and lifted the victim by an arm and a leg above her knees, approximately 2 feet in the air. 

Lassiter then allegedly violently threw the victim, according to Forester’s report, causing the victim’s body to bounce off the cot. When the victim began to cry, Lassiter allegedly told the child, “Do not move again,” and covered the victim’s head and body with a blanket.

During a post-Miranda interview, Lassiter allegedly admitted to getting frustrated and aggravated with the victim during nap time, also allegedly admitting she did pick up the victim and toss her face down on a cot.

Forester further noted in his report the actions taken by Lassiter created a substantial risk to the life, body and health of a defenseless child.

Lassiter was booked into the Barry County jail on Aug. 4 on a bond of $15,000, cash or corporate surety. A bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke.