Dwight Howard being investigated in Georgia for child abuse allegations

Over the weekend we learned that Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard and his son’s mother, former reality TV star Royce Reed, were battling once again six-year-old Braylon. Royce accused Dwight of abusing their son by spanking him with the buckle of a belt.

Dwight’s lawyer claimed the allegations were false, and that Reed was simply trying to use Braylon as a pawn – Dwight and Royce have been in various court battles and public spats for the past six-years. Initial reports were that there was not significant proof for Howard to be charged in Florida, but now the Cobb County PD in Georgia is taking a second look.

A Georgia law enforcement source tells TMZ … “People who were not so forthcoming before today [Monday] have been.” The source adds detectives did several one-on-one interviews Monday and say the case “has now been raised to top of the list.”

Howard’s attorney tells TMZ … Howard’s baby mama Royce Reed is “shopping her baseless allegations” to Georgia authorities even though Florida’s Dept. of Children and Families found her claims had “no merit.”

For the record … DCF found the allegations credible, but concluded they did not meet the standard of proof required for formal action.

“Dr. Kesler noted Braylon to have a linear bruise and patterned abrasions consistent with the history given by Braylon of being struck with a belt numerous times by his father.”The report goes on to say the injuries were “consistent with Braylon being struck with the buckle end of the belt … with excessive force, resulting in soft tissue injuries such as bruising and abrasions.”

And the report indicates Dr. Kesler found the injuries lasted longer than 24 hours and were “consistent with a medical diagnosis of physical abuse.”

And the doctor recommended that Howard participate in parenting classes and use methods other than corporal punishment to discipline his son. 

DCF concluded the child abuse allegations were “not substantiated,