PADUCAH - A Paducah woman faces charges after an investigation into child abuse.

According to the Paducah Police Department, officers were called to the Noble Inn Lodge on Joe Clifton Drive on Thursday, September 5, to check on a child after reports of possible abuse.

Officers spoke with an employee who told them while performing routine maintenance he entered a room and found items blocking entry into a restroom. After opening the door the employee says he discovered a small child sitting alone.

Officers found the 4-year-old child in the room with bruising across his body, and appeared malnourished.

During the investigation, 24-year-old Takeyah Smith returned home.

Smith allegedly told officers she had barricaded the child in the restroom because she had a doctor's appointment.  Officers say Smith also told detectives that she sometimes hits the child with her hand or a belt because the child steals food from her room.

The child was taken to a local hospital for treatment where medical staff noted various bruises and marks across his body, and also determined the child was dehydrated and malnourished.

Smith was lodged at the McCracken County Regional Jail.