Clare woman facing federal charges for sexually abusing toddler

By Kaitlyn Campbell

            A Clare woman is facing federal charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a toddler while babysitting them.

            27-year-old Isabella Cloud was left in charge of two children in Isabella County on Oct. 15, according to an affidavit written by a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer. When the children’s father came home, he noticed that his 14-month-old daughter needed a diaper change. While he was changing the diaper, he noticed injuries to her genital area.

            The father contacted authorities, and the child had an evaluation at an area hospital. Staff at the hospital confirmed that the child had several injuries.

            When she spoke with the police, Cloud waived her Miranda rights and said she was angry with the toddler for crying. She confessed to sexually assaulting the child to punish her.

            Cloud initially faced charges in Tribal Court when she was lodged in the Isabella County Jail on Oct. 16, since the crime scene is within the Isabella Indian Reservation and she is a tribal member. That court deferred to federal prosecutors, who then charges Cloud with engaging in sexual acts with a minor victim younger than 12. The charge is punishable by up to life in prison, and a conviction mandates a minimum 30-year sentence.

            Cloud made her initial appearance in court before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris on Oct. 23. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roy Kranz requested that she be held without bond, and in making his case, he said that during her interview with police, Cloud initially claimed that she had blacked out and didn’t remember what happened to the child. She had then claimed that maybe the child’s father inflicted the injuries. She eventually said she lied about that, further saying that she knew she had been the one who caused harm to the child.

            Kranz also said that Cloud told police that she “had been snapping for the last two years.” Police had asked her why she would hurt a child.

            “Her answer is, ‘I don’t know. I blew my own mind. When I get mad, I don’t know what my intentions are at that point,’” Kranz said.

            Cloud has received treatment in the past for both mental health and substance abuse. She has had no felony convictions but has been on probation and has failed to appear for numerous prior court matters.

            Defense attorney Ebony L. Ellis asked Judge Morris to free Cloud on a GPS tether so she could resume her treatment. Morris decided to grant Kranz’ request instead and ordered Cloud detained pending trial.

            Cloud’s next court date is pending.