A daycare employee in Evansville, Indiana, faces multiple charges after authorities accuse her of repeatedly locking a 5-year-old boy in a closet, hitting him with a broom and leaving the daycare center to go buy alcohol.
The accused was identified as Tashshavviyon Stinson, 29, who had worked for a decade at the Kindergate Developmental Child Care Center, authorities reported to the WFIE portal.
The investigation originated from the testimony of the minor, who stated that during his stay at the daycare he did not receive food, they did not provide him with a blanket during rest time and he was locked in a closet.
Security cameras support part of the complaints
According to Evansville Police, surveillance footage allegedly shows Stinson putting the boy in a closet and leaving him there after hitting him with a broom.
Authorities maintain that the worker later left the establishment to go to a liquor store, leaving the minor alone.
Sergeant Anthony Aussieker, of the Evansville Police, described the events as especially worrying due to the trust that families place in child care centers.
The police report, cited by local media, indicates that Stinson acknowledged having had problems with alcohol consumption.
According to the document, the woman stated that on occasions she had consumed alcoholic beverages before starting her workday.
The report also indicates that the defendant claimed to suffer from depression and have experienced suicidal thoughts.
Another employee was also charged.
The investigation also led to charges against Andrea Williamson, 47, another worker at the children's center.
Authorities charged her with neglect for allegedly failing to comply with Indiana law requiring caregivers and other professionals to immediately report any suspected child abuse.
The Police pointed out that the law does not allow a complaint to be omitted while waiting to obtain more information about what happened.
Stinson was charged with neglect of a child and assault on a person under 14 years of age. The woman remains detained with bail set at $25,000.
For her part, Williamson faces a charge of negligence and was released on bail while the judicial process continues.
So far, those responsible for the Kindergate Developmental Child Care Center have not commented publicly on the case.
