3 Former Bright Horizons Daycare Employees Arrested for Child Abuse in Manhattan

Child Abuse Allegations at Bright Horizons

• 🚨 Three former employees of a Bright Horizons daycare in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, have been arrested following a child abuse investigation.
• ⚖️ Prosecutors detailed disturbing allegations, including an employee dragging a child by the hair and taping a toddler's mouth shut.

Specific Charges and Incidents

• ⚠️ Evelyn Vargas is accused of covering a toddler's mouth with packing tape, causing the child to turn red and cry.
• 👧 Vargas also allegedly grabbed another toddler by the hair, dragging her while the child was in pain.
• 👊 Investigators state Vargas hit three toddlers in the head multiple times with metal water bottles and stuffed tissue in a child's mouth.
• 🧼 Another employee, Shakyia Henley, is accused of spraying a child in the face with a mixture of soap, water, and bleach.
• 🔨 Letia Towns, a third ex-employee, is also accused of hitting children with metal water bottles and restraining toddlers in chairs.

Daycare's Response and Legal Proceedings

• 🏢 Bright Horizons stated they learned of the situation in February, immediately fired the employees involved, and reported the incidents to investigators.
• 💬 A spokesperson for Bright Horizons emphasized their commitment to providing a nurturing and safe environment for children.
• 📞 The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is seeking additional information and has provided a contact number for the child abuse bureau.
• ⚖️ Vargas' attorney maintains her innocence, stating she has over 21 years of experience in daycare services and cares about children.