A Muldrow couple is facing child abuse charges in Sequoyah County District Court following an investigation into allegations that a child under the age of four was intentionally burned with a cigarette.
According to an affidavit filed by Muldrow Police Sgt. Kevin Mackey, the investigation began on Nov. 27, 2025, after Lt. Brooks of the Muldrow Police Department contacted him regarding a possible child abuse case.
A forensic interview was scheduled at the Child Advocacy Center in Sallisaw and conducted on Dec. 1 by forensic interviewer Donna Owens. During the interview, the alleged victim reportedly stated that they’d been burned with a cigarette and identified Christion E. Primm, 29, as the person responsible. The child told the interviewer they were most afraid of Primm and that the burning “happens all of the time.” The child also stated that Kayla L. Woods, 29, allegedly knew about the burn.
A family member of the child reportedly told authorities this was the first time they had observed any burn marks on the child, according to the affidavit.
Later that day, Mackey, accompanied by a Department of Human Services (DHS) worker and a Muldrow police officer, made contact with Primm and Woods at a Muldrow residence. Both acknowledged seeing a mark on the child’s upper inner right leg but said they believed it to be a sore. When informed of the child’s statement that they had allegedly been burned with a lit cigarette, both denied any knowledge of abuse. Mackey noted in the affidavit that Primm had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath during the encounter.
Both Woods and Primm agreed to formal interviews at the police station the following day.
On Dec. 2, Woods agreed to speak with investigators. She initially claimed the burn was accidental, stating she’d been outside smoking while the child and a sibling were nearby. Woods said she placed her lit cigarette on her knee when the children approached her, and the child was burned after running up to her. She said the child was wearing only a diaper at the time and did not complain. Woods stated she noticed the burn on Nov. 23, while changing the child’s diaper and applied antibiotic ointment, but did not report the injury to anyone.
Mackey informed Woods that the injury was described as a “perfect circle” with black searing around the edge and a pit in the center, characteristics he said are consistent with a cigarette being forcefully pressed against the skin, rather than accidental contact. Woods reportedly said she did not believe that was what happened.
Primm provided a similar account, stating the injury was accidental. He told investigators the child ran into his lit cigarette but claimed the child was wearing jeans at the time. Primm later admitted he accidentally burned the child one time. He suggested the child may have been coerced by a family member into making the allegation. Mackey again noted an odor of alcohol coming from Primm during the interview.
A DHS representative was present during both interviews, according to the affidavit.
Based on the child’s statements, the nature of the injury and inconsistencies in the adults’ accounts, Mackey stated in the affidavit that he believed Woods and Primm were not being truthful about how the child was reportedly burned.
Primm is charged with felony child abuse and received a $10,000 bond, while Woods is facing a charge of enabling child abuse for allegedly failing to protect the child, and received a $7,500 bond. Both are now scheduled for a March 11 felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court. Both Primm and Woods are to have no contact with the alleged victim as a condition of their bonds.
District Attorney Jack Thorp said if found guilty of the crimes, they are punishable by up to life in prison in the custody of the Department of Corrections. The duo may also be punished by up to one year in county jail. In addition, the court can impose a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000. A judge may order jail or prison time, a fine, or both.
