The former director of a California water agency director has been charged with felony child abuse after a neighbor posted online video that shows him hitting his stepson with a belt for dropping a baseball during a game of backyard catch.

The Imperial Valley Press ( http://bit.ly/Mf2Tbg) reports Saturday that Imperial County prosecutors charged Anthony Sanchez with two counts: corporal injury to a child and child abuse.

After the video was posted online and turned over to sheriff's officials, Sanchez quit his post with the Imperial Irrigation District overseeing water and electricity supply and distribution in the Imperial and Coachella valleys.

Sanchez's attorney says the charges are out of proportion for Sanchez's actions, given his lack of record and that lesser charges usually result in such cases.

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Information from: Imperial Valley Press, http://www.ivpressonline.com