CHEROKEE, N.C. —

An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is facing federal charges including child abuse, according to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson.

According to allegations in the indictment, 39-year-old Shawnenna Caroline Roland of Cherokee intentionally assaulted a child resulting in serious bodily injury. The assault caused permanent and protracted loss and impairment of the child’s mental and emotional functions.

The indictment further alleges that Roland showed reckless disregard for human life through a willful act and grossly negligent omission in the care of the child, resulting in serious bodily injury.

Ferguson announced on Wednesday, that Roland is in tribal custody awaiting transfer to the custody of the United S

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