The husband of a woman who runs an in-home daycare in Washington has been arrested for striking an injuring a 3 month old girl in the care of his wife.  28 year old Jeromy Ashley has been charged with aggravated battery of a child.  The parents of the infant took her to the hospital after being informed November 8th by Jennifer Ashley, the day care owner, that the 3 month old had been injured while in her care, but was acting fine.  Hospital personnel indicated the injuries were consistent with the child being slapped, since she suffered bruises on her face. 

Tazewell County prosecutors say Sheriff's Investigators interviewed both Jennifer and Jeromy Ashley.  But, their stories indicated differing explanations.  Further questioning revealed Jeromy Ashley admitted to officers he was home at the time of the incident. When the child and other were crying, he struck the 3 month old girl twice with an open hand, once on each side of her face.  Prosecutors also say Ashley admitted to struggling with substance abuse issues and was awakened by the crying children, becoming angry.  Ashley's next court date is December 8th.