CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago woman has been accused of beating, burning and biting her 5- and 6-year-old grandchildren, and forcing them to eat cat food.

Goldine Williams was ordered held Thursday in lieu of $200,000 bond on charges of aggravated battery to a child. Authorities say the alleged abuse occurred Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, and was reported Nov. 2.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services spokesman Jimmie

Whitelow says child welfare authorities have had prior contact with Williams. He says when neglect and abuse allegations against the children’s mother, reported in December 2008, were substantiated, they were placed in the care of Williams, who in 2011 was given guardianship.

Whitelow says the children are now in the care of other relatives.

It wasn’t immediately known if Williams has an attorney.

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