A woman has been charged in connection with the alleged abuse of an infant at a day care in Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, police said.
The incident involving a 5-month-old boy according to a criminal complaint.
Police said detectives reviewed surveillance video, which was provided by the Office of Children, Youth and Families, from inside the day care.
The caretaker, 19-year-old Julia Spencer, was seen using “significant force” when putting the infant into a bouncy chair, the complaint said. She then left him alone before returning and “pushing and shoving the 5-month-old’s head, neck and shoulder area.”
According to the complaint, Spencer also covered the baby with a blanket twice. When putting him into a crib, Spencer slammed him down and his head bounced off a padded mattress.
Police said Spencer told the baby’s parents that he bumped his head and body against a toy during tummy time and said the staff gave him “ice and TLC.”
After consulting with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Spencer.
Spencer was taken into custody at her home. She is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault and intimidation, retaliation or obstruction in child abuse cases.
About the Author
