A woman in Smithfield, Utah, admitted to something no one ever wants to hear — whipping a teenage girl with a phone charger cable. Norma Elida Bermudez-Villega, 39, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after the disturbing incident that landed her behind bars and left a community shaken.
According to court records, Bermudez-Villega appeared in Logan’s 1st District Court on May 5 and took a plea deal. The original aggravated assault charge was amended to a third-degree felony, and a separate charge for public intoxication was dropped, at least for now. It could still be brought back later.
This all started on April 18 when Smithfield City Police responded to a call about possible child abuse. A teenage girl had run barefoot to a neighbor’s house, desperate for help. The neighbor could see the welts on her body and quickly gave her a blanket, a sweater, and some shoes before taking her to Capsa, a local nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic violence. That’s where police were able to meet with the girl.
She told officers that Bermudez had lost her temper after finding out she had gone to a friend’s house without permission. What followed was a painful and terrifying experience. Bermudez allegedly hit her over and over with a phone charger cable, leaving red marks on her arms, wrists, back, and thighs.
When police tracked Bermudez down at her home, she didn’t try to deny it. She admitted to hitting the girl with the cable several times. Officers also noted she smelled strongly of alcohol. She later told them she had consumed two 12-packs of Michelob Ultra — 24 beers — before the assault.
At her hearing on Monday, the judge ruled that Bermudez would stay in jail while a presentence report is completed. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 2, and she could face up to five years in prison.
The case has raised serious concerns about child safety and alcohol-fueled violence. It also highlights the importance of having supportive neighbors and organizations like Capsa that can step in during a crisis. While the details are tough to hear, the teen’s courage in seeking help made sure this case didn’t go unnoticed or unpunished.
For now, Bermudez remains in the Cache County Jail awaiting her fate. The community hopes justice will be served and that the teen gets the care and support she needs to heal.