Felony Child Abuse Case Escalates to Superior Court on Tragic Anniversary of Discovery

FLORENCE — Sanita Young, a 51-year-old woman from Maricopa, has been formally charged with felony child abuse in Pinal County Superior Court. This follows an alarming incident last year that has raised serious concerns.

Young was indicted on May 6, 2024, after a year-long investigation involving child welfare authorities. The charges stem from a disturbing report made by school employees who observed significant injuries on a young boy, referred to in court documents as “NW.” The events unfolded at her residence on Little Drive in Rancho El Dorado.

The nature of the charge classifies it as a domestic violence offense, though the exact relationship between Young and the victim remains unspecified. Court documents reveal that the child exhibited extensive bruising, caused allegedly by beatings with a cord and belt.

Young’s scheduled appearance in Early Disposition Court is set for May 30 at 1:30 p.m. Should she fail to attend, a warrant for her arrest may be issued.

The case gained attention after reports emerged detailing the child’s injuries, which were corroborated by a forensic interview. Following the investigation led by Maricopa Police and the Department of Child Safety, the child was removed from Young’s custody.

Evidence also surfaced from a recorded phone conversation, wherein Young acknowledged that she had “whooped” the child excessively and expressed remorse. Her admissions in subsequent police interviews indicated she had physically punished him for bringing a cell phone to school, claiming she struck him multiple times.

Young was released on a $5,000 bond in June and has engaged legal representation from MayesTelles PLLC, a criminal defense firm based in Phoenix. As the prosecution prepares its case, if convicted, she could face a presumptive sentence of two and a half years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.