State Begins Legal Battle Against Mom Caught On Camera Abusing Child

Prosecutors in LeFlore County have begun a legal battle against an Arkoma woman caught on camera abusing her child.

Christina Hawkins has been charged with felony child abuse. The child's father, who police say recorded the video, is also charged for not telling police about the crime. Rickey Griffith is facing charges of enabling child abuse and obstruction.

The video evidence has people saying Hawkins proves some people should never be allowed to have kids. Hawkins insists she is a good mother.

Prosecutors say the video shows Hawkins striking the child multiple times while the child cries. Then, the child is thrown like a rag doll onto a couch.

Hawkins was scheduled to make her first court appearance Thursday, but it was just her attorney who was present before the judge.

Hawkins tells police she wanted to spank her child on the butt. She also says throwing her child was an attempt to just get her kid to sit down.

According to district court officials, a family member took the video to the LeFlore County DA's Office in December 2012, as the video was being circulated on Facebook.

Griffith appeared before a judge Thursday. The state says Griffith shot the video and kept quiet for months.

Hawkins' initial court appearance has been scheduled for Feb. 11. Griffith is due back in court on March 6. The child in the video is in state custody.