Ex-Pa. guard acquitted of bag charge in abuse case

A former Pennsylvania prison guard has been acquitted of aggravated assault for allegedly putting a plastic bag over her adopted daughter's head, but found guilty of eight lesser counts of child abuse.

Forty-one-year-old Annissa Schoolfield, of Millcreek Township, was convicted of four counts each of child endangerment and simple assault Thursday after Erie County prosecutors say she beat her four adoptive children, ages 7 to 13, with a belt. Schoolfield lost her job at the State Correctional Institution-Albion after the charges were filed in April.

The jury acquitted Schoolfield on three other charges and couldn't reach a verdict on two others _ all alleging she inflicted serious bodily injury. Schoolfield denied that, but acknowledged being stern and leaving welts after the belt beatings.

The Erie Times-News says Schoolfield now lives in Cleveland and will be sentenced May 9.