JUNEAU — A 34-year-old Lomira woman is accused of hitting her 3-year-old daughter in the face with a spoon.

Christine C. Skattebo made her initial court appearance Monday in Dodge County Circuit Court on a felony charge of physical abuse of a child. If convicted, Skattebo faces up to 3½ years in prison.

On April 30, a day care worker at CCLT Daycare Center in Theresa contacted Lomira police to report a suspected child abuse incident. During questioning, the child told investigators that the bruising around her eye and cheek occurred when Skattebo hit her in the eye with a spoon, according to court records.

The child's older sister admitted that Skattebo became upset after the 3-year-old threw the spoon at her during a temper tantrum. In return, Skattebo flung the spoon back at the child, hitting her in the eye, according to the criminal complaint.

During a visit by a child services worker, Skattebo said the bruising occurred when the child ran into a piece of furniture. She later told police that she "felt bad" about lying, but was afraid and didn't want to get in trouble. According to court records, Skattebo was convicted of child neglect in February, and the 3-year-old was subsequently removed from her custody.