SEATTLE — A California woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced Wednesday after kicking and shaking her 2-year-old child while on a flight from Mexico to Seattle in May.
Breanna Mistler, 33, was sentenced to time served and a year of federal supervision for a misdemeanor charge of assault by beating, wounding or striking.
According to a criminal complaint, Mistler was on a flight from Puerta Vallarta, Mexico to Seattle on May 1. A witness told police they saw Mistler kick the child after the child woke Mistler up during the flight.
A witness also told police Mistler shook the child like a "ragdoll."
When a passenger confronted Mistler about it, Mistler allegedly told them to mind their business.
When the flight landed, Mistler was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A law enforcement officer noted the child had what "looked like recent bruises to an eye, cheek, shoulder and forearm," according to the criminal complaint.
Mistler was held at the Federal Detention Center at SEA Airport for "about three weeks" according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
She told the judge, “I hit rock bottom. I am a better person now. I want to continue to be better.” Mistler's attorney also said in court that she is now sober and has supervised visits with her daughter.
