Police: Two Accused of Beating Boy With Belt

Investigators arrested a Manassas-area man and woman after police said they hit a 2-year-old boy with a belt on several occasions, leaving lacerations on the child.

Carlos Daniel Cortez, 29, of the 7900 block of Meadow Court was arrested Tuesday. He is charged with child abuse and cruelty and injuries to children.

Maria Del Rosario Moreno Najera, 20, of the same address, was arrested Wednesday and is charged with child abuse.

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Detectives from the Prince William County Police Physical Abuse Unit began their investigation at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the suspects' home, reports show. 

Investigators said Cortez used a belt to strike the 2-year-old, a family member, on several occasions, the first being in November, Prince William County Police reports show. The child sustained lacerations, according to police.

Police said Najera had allegedly been beating the boy since August of 2011.

Cortez was held at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Court date information isn't immediately available.

An arrest doesn't indicate a conviction. The presumption of innocence follows a suspect until that person is proven guilty or, until guilty a plea is entered in a court of law.