A Cincinnati woman has been indicted on multiple charges for seriously injuring a child.

A Hamilton County Grand Jury on March 18 indicted Adriana Napier, 29, of West Price Hill, with one count each of endangering children, felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence. Napier pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning.

The charges stem from an incident on Jan. 16, 2026, at a residence on Gilsey Avenue in Cincinnati. Napier became upset with a 13-year-old after the child did not do household chores. She assaulted the child, striking her with a belt and curtain rod, causing multiple injuries, including a fracture. Napier is also accused of punching, biting, and strangling the child. The victim fled and a neighbor contacted emergency services. The child was treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and reflect a level of violence that no child should ever experience,” said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “We will pursue these charges aggressively and seek accountability. I commend the neighbor who took action to protect the child. We can only help these children if, when we see something, we say something.”

Napier faces up to 15 years in prison.

A review of child abuse indictments shows a 159% increase in cases brought against defendants since 2020, rising from 17 defendants that year to 44 defendants in 2025.

In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children planted 280 Pinwheels at Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati. The pinwheels represent 5,615 reported child abuse victims in 2024 and serve as a reminder that the work of protecting children is never done.

To report child abuse: Call 241-KIDS (5437). Reports can remain anonymous.