SLIPPERY ROCK — A mother faces a hearing Wednesday afternoon on a criminal charge for allegedly hitting her 5-year-old daughter with a belt.

But Akelah Hughes, 30, of Slippery Rock told police that she was just practicing parental discipline, having caught the girl at their home taking something that didn't belong to her.

Authorities said the child suffered bruising and swelling on her left arm from the incident, which happened about 7 p.m. Feb. 7.

Slippery Rock police arrested Hughes on Thursday on a misdemeanor charge of simple assault. She remains free on her own recognizance.

Police began investigating the case after a ChildLine complaint was received Thursday.

According to the report, police said, the victim showed up at the Slippery Rock University Day Care Center and told a teacher that her mother hit her with a belt.

The girl showed the teacher her injuries, which were described as two or three “visible, well defined welts” on her left forearm, court documents said.

Police and a Butler County Children and Youth services caseworker went to Hughes' house on the 300 block of East Water Street and spoke to her about what happened.

She recounted that while checking under her daughter's blanket as part of a nightly routine, she found a mirror. She questioned her daughter, who admitted taking it from her grandmother's room, documents said.

“Akelah stated she took a belt,” according a police affidavit, “and gave (the girl) two lashes on her hand.”

She also told investigators the disciplinary action followed “some issues with (the girl) taking things without asking, even outside the house.”

Police Chief Terry Fedokovitz said the girl remains at home with her parents and grandmother, under the conditions of a safety plan between CYS and the family.

Hughes' preliminary hearing is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the office of District Judge William O'Donnell in Slippery Rock.

Online court records show she is being represented by the public defender's office. The office did not immediately return a telephone call Tuesday regarding the case.