Judge grants bond reduction for woman accused of child abuse

Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Lewis on Monday authorized a bond reduction in the case of Chiquita C. Bell.

Bell, 34, of Cape Girardeau is facing a charge of abuse or neglect of a child when she was asked to babysit Aug. 8 and the child reportedly suffered a seizure and sustained multiple injuries while in Bell's care. Bell also entered a plea of not guilty.

Assistant Public Defender Amanda Altman asked for the bond reduction based on medical issues for Bell, which could be a possible stomach cancer diagnosis, and the fact that Bell turned herself in.

Lewis granted the reduced bond -- from $20,000 to $5,000 -- under the same conditions, which included not having contact with either the alleged victim or her mother.

"What if she makes contact with me?" Bell said. "I know everything that's gone on with this child since this accident happened."

"That's not a real good thing to say," Lewis responded. "Now would be a good time to stop talking."

Pertinent address: 238 S. Sprigg Street, Cape Girardeau, mo