Two women accused of beating children, depriving food at Caseyville hotel

Two women have been charged in connection with a child abuse case in Caseyville last month.

St. Clair County State’s Attorney Jim Gomric charged Samantha Benjamin, 31, of Caseyville, and Katriel Larkin, 32, of Cahokia Heights, each with four counts of aggravated battery and four counts of endangering the life or health of a child.

Charging documents allege Benjamin and Larkin struck four children, ages 3 to 6, on the face and body with a belt.

Two additional counts of child endangerment were added last week when the defendants were indicted by a grand jury. Indictment documents attribute the new charges to evidence that the defendants deprived two of the children of food.

Court records show St. Clair County Public Defender Cathy MacElroy is representing both women. MacElroy could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.

The Caseyville Police Department stated in a news release that officers responded to the Days Inn at 2423 Old Country Inn Drive in Caseyville on May 26 based on an anonymous tip reporting possible child abuse.

Responding officers observed visible wounds on four children, according to the release. It stated that the children were placed in protective custody and treated for their injuries at local hospitals.

Police said Benjamin and Larkin were taken into custody without incident.

The defendants were arraigned Thursday. Arraignment documents show Benjamin and Larkin pleaded not guilty. Both defendants waived their pretrial detention hearings.

Their next court dates are not yet listed in court records.