Waukesha alderman arrested for alleged child abuse

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Waukesha alderman is now facing criminal charges.

Police say District 15 Alderman Cory Payne slapped a child on the leg Sunday, leaving a mark.

He was arrested Feb. 5. 

Payne, 39, is charged with physical abuse of a child and disorderly conduct. 

A criminal complaint details a domestic incident between Payne and an ex-girlfriend.

It says while arguing with the woman, Payne walked into the hallway and struck the victim's 8-year-old daughter. Investigators say a photo depicted a red hand imprint, "indicating a forceful hand impact that was clearly visible and roughly the same size of an adult hand."

Police also reviewed video of the verbal altercation between Payne and the ex-girlfriend. They say the alleged child abuse happened off-camera but was loud enough to hear in the video.  

Payne was released on a $5,000 signature bond. 

His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 17. 

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly says he is aware of the arrest. In a statement Monday, he said, in part, "the alleged action is a serious crime and should be fully investigated by the appropriate authorities."