Man accused of beating 6-year-old for not doing homework

Tampa police have arrested a man they say severely beat a 6-year-old relative for not doing his homework.

Lee Edward Cook Jr. (pictured) was arrested just after midnight at a Bank of America on Gandy Boulevard where he works.

The incident allegedly occurred at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. It was unclear from a preliminary police report how authorities discovered the abuse.

But Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said detectives found evidence of old abuse, as well as bruising on the 6-year-old boy's bottom, the backs of his legs and his hip area.

The injuries, Davis said, were "consistent with abuse, not punishment."

It was not immediately clear whether the child was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, Davis said.

Cook was charged with one count of child abuse and one count of child neglect. He was released on $9,500 bond early Thursday.

Cook also left a 2-year-old in the home unattended, a Tampa police spokeswoman said.

The incident has been referred to the Department of Children and Families.

Luis Perez and Rebecca Catalanello, Times Staff Writers

[Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office]

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