A day care worker in Georgia has been accused of child abuse.
Yvette Thurston, 54, was arrested on Monday, August 11, and charged with one count of first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse, according to Bainbridge police.
According to the outlet, officers reviewed surveillance video from Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge during the investigation.
Cory Weeks, the father of Clay, a 1-year-old boy who was injured, recalled watching the incident video with public safety officers. “Nothing we saw was for the faint-hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul,” he told me.
On Thursday, August 14, the father posted two photos of Clay on Facebook, alleging he was injured at the day care. Clay’s photos show bruises and swelling around one of his eyes, as well as scratches on his face.
The concerned father stated that both of his sons, Wyatt, age three, and Clay, were attending their first day at the facility.
“This is every parents’ worst nightmare and we had to live it and are still living it,” he wrote. He went onto say that his family “told another child in Clay’s class did this type of damage with a plastic toy.”
PEOPLE contacted the Bainbridge Police Department for more information on August 17, but did not receive an immediate response.
Police told Cleveland 19 News that the victim, a boy, was treated at a nearby hospital. According to the outlet, Thurston has since been bonded out of Decatur County Jail. Her bond amount was set at $44,000.
The incident took place at Little Blessings Child Care, which is affiliated with the Bainbridge Church of God, according to WRDW.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) informed WABL that the organization “is aware of the serious allegations of child abuse at Little Blessings Childcare.”
“Our agency is now conducting a thorough investigation into the situation. A teacher has been arrested in connection with these allegations. As our investigation is still in its early stages, DECAL will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement and all relevant parties to ensure a thorough review of the facts,” the statement said.
