A 52-year-old babysitter pleaded guilty Tuesday to abusing a toddler she was caring for and for trying to thwart an investigation into her abuse, authorities said.

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Kimberly McCowan Williams, of D.C., pleaded guilty to first degree cruelty to children, attempted second degree cruelty to children and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 12 and faces up to 16 years in prison.

Authorities said Williams waited eight hours before seeking medical help for a 2-year-old girl she was caring for in 2009. The girl had spilled liquid bleach on her face and, instead of helping her, Williams beat her with a belt because the girl had broken some glass items, authorities said.

The toddler didn’t suffer any permanent damage.

After the incident, Williams kept her own daughter home from school and encouraged her to lie to police, authorities said.