In a disturbing revelation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance videos exposing the misconduct of a daycare worker. The footage captures 31-year-old Laura Flores, who was taken into custody earlier this week, engaging in abusive behavior at the Bright Beginnings Learning Center located on U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield, Florida.
Flores, whose arrest occurred on Monday, was seen in the videos mishandling 13-month-old children under her care. The sheriff’s office reported that the incidents involved Flores aggressively picking up a child and forcefully throwing another onto a mat, acts that have prompted significant concern among the community and officials alike.
Law enforcement officials were called to the learning center on February 13, where they reviewed the incriminating footage. The evidence, now made public, clearly documents the unacceptable treatment of the young victims, leading to Flores’s arrest.
The videos, which carry a content warning for their graphic nature, underscore the gravity of the situation and the importance of vigilance in childcare settings. The release of these videos by the sheriff’s office aims to shed light on the incident and prevent future occurrences of such distressing behavior.
Deputies responded to the learning center on Feb. 13 and reviewed the surveillance video, which showed Flores forcefully picking up a child and throwing a child onto a mat.
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One of the videos released by the sheriff’s office showed Flores hitting the back of a child’s head, causing the child to fall face-first onto the floor.
The sheriff’s office said there were also moments when Flores struck a child in the abdomen, placed her foot on a child lying on the floor during nap time and swaddled a child before slapping the child across the face.
Bright Beginnings Learning Center shared the following statement after Flores’ arrest:
We are aware of the arrest of a former employee in connection with an ongoing investigation. The individual is no longer employed at Bright Beginnings Learning Center.
When concerns were identified, we immediately reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and fully cooperated with the Department of Children and Families and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. We provided complete access to our surveillance system and documentation and continue to assist as requested.
The safety and well being of the children in our care is our highest priority. Due to the active investigation and privacy laws protecting the children involved, we are unable to comment further at this time.
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Flores was arrested on three counts of child abuse. She was taken to the Marion County jail, where she was later after posting bond.
Her arraignment is scheduled for March 31.
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