Anniston woman pleads not guilty in child abuse case

Lisa Anne Smith

A 28 year old Anniston woman, charged in connection with the abuse of her 2-year-old daughter, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a Calhoun County Courtoom.  

Lisa Anne Smith, made that plea Wednesday before Calhoun County Circuit Judge Bud Turner.

Smith and her boyfriend at the time, 28 year old Jeremy Dewayne Wilbanks, were arrested July 25 and charged with felony aggravated child abuse in connection with the alleged abuse of Smith’s daughter.

Arrest warrants for both allege that between July 1 and July 18 both Smith and Wilbanks abused, or aided in the abuse of, her daughter, causing “cigarette burns, fractures and multiple bruising” to the child.

DHR workers removed the girl from the home, on Willett Street, the day the agency received a tip of the alleged abuse.

A medical exam showed two healing fractured ribs, bruises throughout her body, and recent and older cigarette burns on her hands, feet and abdomen, according to the release.

Smith was out on bond Wednesday awaiting trial. 

Wilbanks pleaded not guilty to his charge on Jan. 20, according to court records. Wilbanks was in the Calhoun County Jail on Wednesday. His bond had been set at $20,000.