Jonesborough, TN – A Washington County woman has been charged after deputies say she allegedly attempted to drown a child during an incident at a residence Wednesday evening.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Mikaylee Rae Beirne Johnson, 31, has been charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect following the incident on Wednesday, July 15, at a home on Cochran Road.
Sheriff Keith Sexton said deputies responded shortly before 5 p.m. after receiving a disturbance call. According to investigators, a witness observed Beirne with several children in a backyard pool while another adult was inside the residence.
Authorities said one of the children ran inside to alert the adult that Beirne was allegedly forcing another child underwater. The adult went to the pool and demanded that Beirne release the child, but deputies say she allegedly refused. The witness then intervened, removed the child from the water and helped bring the child to safety.
According to the sheriff’s office, all of the children were taken inside the home, and 911 was contacted. Deputies reported observing minor injuries and bruising on the child that they said were consistent with witness statements.
Investigators said another adult briefly encountered Beirne before she allegedly left the area in a vehicle prior to deputies arriving. Authorities later located her and took her into custody.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beirne is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. She was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, July 16.
The investigation remains ongoing. The charges are allegations, and Beirne is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
