LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A mother faces serious charges, after police say she abused her two young children.

WKYT has obtained the arrest citation for Tanya Johnson, 27. It states Johnson was arrested Tuesday evening off West Sixth Street near Coolavin Park after someone witnessed the abuse and called police.

When officers arrived, they found Johnson's 3 and 6-year old had numerous bruises on their body. The citation states Johnson beat the children with a belt and threw her youngest child into wall that left him with a swollen eye. Both kids were admitted to the emergency room at UK Hospital.

According to officials at UK, both children are now listed in fair condition.

Johnson is charged with two counts of criminal abuse.

Johnson entered into a not guilty plea today. The judge agreed to release Johnson from jail under some restrictions until she has a preliminary hearing. Judge Julie Goodman is requiring Johnson to wear an ankle monitor device and remain on house arrest. She is also not allowed to have any contact with the two victims, her sons.

Some neighbors of Johnson's at the Coolavin apartments in Lexington are relieved that she is finally facing criminal charges. Markia Thomas lives downstairs from Johnson and says she has called police multiple times, "She slaps the kids so loud I can hear it, sitting on the steps. And she calls them stupid, dumb, knowing that the kids are mentally challenged and stuff."

Johnson is scheduled to go back to court for her preliminary hearing September 10th.