LAKE WORTH, Fla. — A 28-year-old Florida woman punished three young children by putting hot peppers in their mouths, authorities said.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's officials said Angelina Andres was arrested Tuesday on three counts of child abuse.
A local newspaper reported that a witness told investigators that Andres left bruises on one of the children after hitting her with a belt buckle and made her wear a sweater to school to hide the bruises.
The report said a child told them that Andres put peppers in their mouths if they didn't listen or ate too much candy. When the children cried, Andres gave them water.
The Department of Children and Families has temporary custody of the children.
Records don't specify her relationship to the children or whether she has a lawyer.
Andres is being held without bail.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.