Boy Bravely Walks 50 Minutes to School After Assault; Mother Charged with Child Abuse

A Senita mother faces serious allegations after her son reported enduring severe abuse at home. Jesseca V. Clemons, 40, has been charged with one count of child abuse, according to court documents.

The incident came to light on February 11, when a school counselor at an undisclosed middle school contacted Officer Brian Brown from the Maricopa Police Department. The boy shared that he had been severely beaten by his mother at their Maricopa Avenue residence.

The child disclosed that he was whipped with a belt shortly after waking up late. He normally rises at 7:30 a.m., but on this occasion, at approximately 8:20 a.m., his mother began the assault due to his tardiness.

He recalled the first lash awakening him, but Clemons continued the beating, targeting his arms, legs, and stomach. “She was just swinging,” the young boy explained.

After getting out of bed, Clemons reportedly grabbed his hair and pushed him to the floor, where she then kicked him and used derogatory language towards him.

Despite the violence, he managed to get dressed and complete his morning chores before heading to school. He left home just before 9 a.m., missing the bus and walking nearly an hour to arrive.

His chores included a daunting list of tasks such as feeding the dogs, doing the dishes, cleaning multiple rooms, and even organizing the garage, highlighting an unreasonable expectation for someone his age.

The boy also mentioned a history of abuse at home, revealing that he had faced violent discipline in the past, including beatings with a broom.

Clemons works night shifts as a nurse and expects her son to care for his infant brother during those hours. He noted that he often faced punishment when the baby developed a rash.

Upon investigation, Officer Brown and Child Safety specialist Julissa Aguilar spoke with Clemons at her home. She immediately acknowledged needing to “whoop” her son and welcomed them inside.

During her discussion with authorities, Clemons became visibly angry, shouting while her son remained in the room.

“It’s not against the law to whoop your ass… I’m not going to be a prisoner in my own house,” she reportedly expressed, feeling betrayed by her son’s actions.

In a further display of control, she admonished her son for reporting the abuse, insisting he had no right to discuss it at school.

Both children have since been placed in the custody of their oldest sister, who disclosed to authorities that she too had faced abuse from Clemons. Previous reports from daycare staff indicated that Clemons’ infant was often in a dirty diaper and appeared neglected.

As of now, Clemons has not been arrested; the case has been forwarded to prosecutors after charges were filed in Pinal County Superior Court on May 13.

An early disposition court hearing for Clemons is set for June 20.