A Milwaukee alderman is accused of hitting his six-year-old daughter at least eight times with a coat hanger. Prosecutors released a felony child abuse complaint Monday against 35-year-old Ashanti Hamilton. A formal charge is expected to be filed Tuesday. The incident happened about three weeks ago, when it was Hamilton's turn to be with the four children for whom he has joint custody with his ex-wife.
Hamilton told a Milwaukee TV station a couple weeks ago he hit the child because she misbehaved, but he denied committing child abuse. Mayor Tom Barrett called the charge serious, and his concern is for the youngster and the family.
If convicted, Hamilton could get up to six years in prison and he'd lose his Common Council seat.
Read the Criminal Complaint
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :38)