4 employees accused of abusing, hitting children at Louisiana day care facility
11/01/2021 4:07 pm PDT
VIDALIA, La. (TCD) -- Four day care employees were arrested Thursday for allegedly abusing children at work.
An initial investigation began Oct. 15 when a 14-month-old had been reportedly hit on the back at Noah’s Ark Daycare. According to the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, security footage obtained by authorities revealed that a worker hit the child and another 1-year-old "numerous times."
The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators seized a DVR hard drive of security footage after obtaining a search warrant of the facility. The footage reportedly revealed employees hitting children on the body, face, mouth, and head. Several employees reportedly struck children with wooden paint sticks as well.
Four of the day care workers were arrested and charged in the investigation. Nineteen-year-old Taylor Ragonesi was charged with three counts of cruelty to juveniles, 27-year-old Julianne N. Porales with 11 counts of cruelty to juveniles, 34-year-old Bridget Delaughter with four counts of cruelty to juveniles, and 36-year-old Lysa Richardson with three counts of cruelty to juveniles.
Concordia Parish Sheriff David Hedrick said in a statement, "The well being of our children are one of the main priorities of my office and as your Sheriff, I will continue to ensure their safety."
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