An Albert Lea woman who allegedly abused her daughter in May was charged last month in Freeborn County District Court.

Anna Elizabeth Cavazos, 41, is charged with gross misdemeanor malicious punishment of a child. Her first appearance on the charge was Thursday.

Court documents state Cavazos was charged after an Albert Lea police officer was dispatched to an address May 26 regarding an allegation of child abuse. Cavazos’ daughter, who was born in 2000, said her mother had become upset with her. The girl, who admitted verbally disrespecting her mother, said Cavazos grabbed and pulled her hair, repeatedly slapping her in the face and leaving scratch marks on her arms. A witness reportedly confirmed the girl’s story.

Court documents state, in an interview with an officer, Cavazos admitted slapping her in the face once and pulling her hair “to get (her) out of her face.” She said her daughter was yelling at her and refusing to go to her room, and she allegedly admitted grabbing her daughter’s arm to force her into her room. Cavazos allegedly also slapped her daughter in March.

District Court Judge Ross Leuning released Cavazos on her own recognizance. Her next appearance is scheduled for July 20.

Gross misdemeanor malicious punishment of a child carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

A mugshot for Cavazos was not available as of press time.