A Pella man is accused of physically abusing three children over the past year.

Matthew Pitkin, 33, has been charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent person, each a class C felony, and child endangerment.

According to court records, three juvenile victims, all under the age of 10, described to Pella Police investigators of how Pitkin treated them in various incidents that occurred in the summer of 2017.

He is accused of spanking a child with a hanger until it broke over bare skin, as well as with a hairbrush and a wooden spoon. A witness told police Pitkin also allegedly pushed around and slapped the children “out of anger.” One of the victims told police that they would run away from Pitkin to avoid further abuse. The witness also provided photos to police of bruises and marks left on the victims after the incidents.

Pitkin was arrested on a warrant this week by the Pella Police Department, and they conducted the investigation. A no-contact order has been issued, and Pitkin was transported to Marion County Jail.