A Lakeville day-care provider is closing her in-home business after she was charged with malicious punishment, accused of hitting a 3-year-old boy.

Marilyn Jean Morales, 51, told the mother of the boy that she needed to apologize because she lost her temper during a "rough day" and hit the child, according to court documents.

There were bruises and red marks on his face, under his chin, on his shoulder and upper arm. A nurse and a pediatrician who evaluated the boy found the marks on his face appeared to be from a slap and the shoulder injury was the result of being grabbed hard.

The boy's mother told police that Morales said the boy had defecated in his pants and she had to give him a bath. He was not cooperating during the bath and she hit him, court documents said.

On July 27, the same day as the incident, Morales sent a text message indicating she was closing her day care indefinitely, according to court documents.

Morales faces a felony charge of malicious punishment of a child under age 4; she could face up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Jessie Van Berkel