SUFFOLK, Va. (AP) – A Virginia lawmaker charged with child cruelty says he won’t seek re-election.

Del. Rick Morris announced on his Facebook page Wednesday that he won’t seek a fourth term in the House of Delegates. He currently represents the 64th District.

According to court documents, the 48-year-old Morris is accused of hitting his stepson with a belt and a wooden spoon. The Republican has denied the allegations.

Newspapers are suing for access to transcripts of a December hearing after being barred because the key witness was a child.

The AP Wire. All rights reserved. (PHOTO: City of Suffolk)