Man charged with hitting, spanking 8-year-old boy

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 28, 2000

NEW PORT RICHEY -- A 31-year-old man was charged with child abuse Wednesday after deputies said he slapped and repeatedly spanked an 8-year-old boy for not finishing his dinner.

Harold Keith Price of 9353 Adler St., New Port Richey, was charged with one count of child abuse. Pasco County Sheriff's deputies would not disclose the relationship between Price and the child.

According to Deputy Kevin Stevenson, Price slapped the boy on the right side of his face. A report said the boy received a bloody nose and a bruise. Also, Price struck him in the buttocks eight times with a shoe, authorities said.

Price denied striking the boy, Stevenson said. Price was booked into the county jail in Land O'Lakes and was being held on $2,500 bail.

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