Authorities in north Louisiana have arrested four women in connection with alleged child abuse at a Vidalia daycare in Concordia Parish, a post on the Sheriff's Facebook states.
According to the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office, on October 15, deputies began investigating an incident involving a 14-month-old who had been hit on the back while in the care of a worker at the Noah's Ark Daycare.
Investigators checked security footage, which they say revealed a worker striking the child numerous times. Police say two other one-year-olds were hit as well.
A search warrant was obtained and a DVR hard drive was seized from the location.
Police say this showed more instances of abuse, and arrested these people, identified as workers at the facility:
- Lysa Richardson, 36 of Vidalia, three counts cruelty to juveniles
- Julianne N. Porales, 27 of Fayette, Miss., 11 counts cruelty to juveniles
- Taylor Ragonesi, 19, of Ferriday, three counts cruelty to juveniles
- Bridget Delaughter, 34 of Vidalia, four counts cruelty to juveniles
Police say the evidence showed instances of children being struck excessively on different parts of the body including the face, mouth and head, as well as several employees striking the children with wooden paint sticks.
They say that during the investigation Louisiana State Police were called in due to a conflict, and troopers assisted in completing the case.
“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," said Sheriff David Hedrick.
The Sheriff said he would also like to thank the Louisiana State Police for their quick and thorough response relative to this investigation.
Here's the post:
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