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Mom of woman who abused toddler on video: He's not with her, he's good

Published  June 12, 2018 11:28pm EDT
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FOX 2 Detroit

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DETROIT (WJBK) - The video of Rolaunda Paul beating her toddler in the middle of a Detroit sidewalk drew outrage - and now a lot of questions as she avoids judge time.

FOX 2 was in court when as part of a deal with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Paul pleaded guilty to Second Degree Child Abuse and received five years’ probation.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody who helped me in this case (and) turn everything around for the better," Paul said. 

"You can take thank the prosecutor’s office for taking care of you," said the judge.

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We couldn't find Rolaunda at her home, instead her mother Rose reluctantly answered our questions.

FOX 2: "Where's the baby now?"

"The baby is good, the baby is good," the child's grandmother said. "The baby is not with her, he's good." 

FOX 2: "A lot of people are concerned after they saw that video."

"They shouldn't be," Rose said. "There are a lot of other homes you need to go to and research."

FOX 2: "We did want to hear from the family. You don't want to give your thoughts?"

"I'm not giving anything," she said. "I'm the grandmother and the mother. I am still proud of my daughter, I still love my grandson, I am still running my household.

"Whatever opinion that this world has, good luck to them and hopefully they don't get into this situation."

FOX 2: “What about those who worry it is going to happen again?"

"Well they just have to wait and see," she said.

As part of the plea deal - Rolunda Paul must meet requirements given by Child Protective Services and Department of Human Services which includes parenting classes and therapy.
  
"My reaction is it is horrifying," said Dr. Sabrina Jackson. 

As horrified as therapist Dr. Sabrina Jackson is when she watches the disturbing child abuse video, she says in her experience giving this mother the help she needs to stop her from hurting others, is more beneficial than locking her up.

"I like the fact she has probation because with probation you have to report every month and there are some things you have to do," Jackson said. "And if she doesn't do them, they can then lock her up. So it gives her the opportunity to get help and assistance that she needs."

This violent behavior is never acceptable, but she says helping Paul now will be better for her son in the long run.

"My daughter has gone through her proceedings, she's done, she's getting the help she needs," Rose Paul said.  "We are done with it."