PADUCAH (WSIL) -- A Paducah woman is now in custody for abusing her children.
Detectives with the McCracken County Sheriff's Office began investigating complaints of possible child abuse against four children in August.
During the investigation, deputies learned that Donna Howard, 34 of Paducah, had abused her children over at least a one-month span. The children, ages 5-11, were malnourished and several neglected. Evidence of past and current abuse was evident on the children, illustrated by injuries they still sustain from Howard striking them with a wooden board.
On August 31, deputies and detectives arrested Howard at her home.
Department of Community Based Services played a significant part in the investigation and ultimately removed eight children from Howard’s care.
Howard was charged with four counts of Criminal Abuse 1st Degree and lodged in the McCracken County Jail.
