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Written by: A. Smith
Published April 17, 2025 @ 11:23 AM ET
HALL COUNTY, Ga. – A 24-year-old Alto woman is facing a felony child cruelty charge after investigators uncovered graphic video evidence showing a toddler in her care being abused, authorities said.
Brooke Morgan Bestpitch was arrested after detectives with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office discovered footage on her cell phone and Snapchat account that allegedly showed the young child being subjected to various forms of mistreatment, including being hogtied with belts and yarn and choked with a dog leash.
The investigation began in 2023 with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. When officials learned the incidents had taken place in Hall County, the case was transferred to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau on Dec. 18, 2024.
Bestpitch was initially arrested on Feb. 6 after investigators determined she had given the toddler a marijuana joint and allowed the child to smoke it, authorities said. She was charged with reckless conduct and released from the Hall County Jail the following day after posting a $1,300 bond.
As the investigation progressed, authorities executed search warrants for Bestpitch’s mobile devices and Snapchat account, where they reportedly found more disturbing content. One video allegedly showed Bestpitch placing a dog leash around the child’s neck and tightening it, causing it to constrict, investigators said.
Following the discovery of the new evidence, a warrant was issued for Bestpitch’s arrest on a charge of first-degree child cruelty. She was taken into custody at her home in Alto on April 11 and released on April 12 after posting an $11,200 bond.
Authorities have not released information about the child’s relationship to Bestpitch or the extent of any injuries the child may have suffered.