MONROE — A rural Monroe woman was charged with a pair of felonies after allegedly striking a teenager in the face, pulling her hair, and berating her.

Kristin M. Prien, 36, appeared in Green County Circuit Court Monday on charges of felony child abuse and felony causing mental harm to a child. The session was an initial appearance for Prien on the charge before Circuit Judge Faun M. Phillipson.

The charges were brought after a tip led to a social worker reporting the alleged abuse; and the teen victim was then interviewed by county deputies at an area school. The abuse allegedly occurred at a Green County home during a heated, morning argument in which the victim was backed into the corner of the room by the alleged suspect.

“She advised at one point…(she) just hit her in the face,” the criminal complaint alleges. “(The victim) advised she had her hood up and her (she) grabbed her hood and her hair in the process.”

The blow to her face from a closed fist left a bruise that the victim reportedly tried to cover up with make-up, but it was apparently seen and reported to county child welfare officials.

The charge of child abuse/intentionally cause bodily harm is a Class H Felony in Wisconsin and carries a maximum potential prison sentence of six years.  Causing mental harm to a child is a Class F Felony in the state and carries a maximum potential penalty of 12 years, six months in state prison.

A $2,000 signature bond was set for Prien during Monday’s hearing. According to court records, the defendant has no other apparent criminal history in the state. She is scheduled to appear in court again before Circuit Judge Jane Bucher at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 2.