A 26-year-old Odessa man is facing a felony charge for allegedly hitting a youth in the face on November 8.

According to a probable-cause statement, authorities were dispatched to investigate an alleged assault. Authorities learned from a woman that William Jay Ellingworth had struck her 5-year-old child in the face with a belt. She said her children were being loud and woke Ellingworth, who called the child into his room and then struck him with the belt. The woman also said Ellingworth backhanded her across the face when she intervened.

During his interview, Ellingworth admitted he struck the child and the woman. He said he was acting “out of character” and didn’t know why he did it.

Court documents say Ellingworth is charged with a Class D Felony for Abuse or Neglect of a Child and a misdemeanor for domestic assault. Bond has been set at $10,000 cash or surety.

Ellingworth pleaded not guilty during his arraignment hearing on November 10. His next hearing is scheduled to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at Lafayette County Circuit Court.