"Nanny Cam" Video Leads To Child Abuse Arrest
PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) -- A South Florida woman hired to be a nanny for a 7-month old baby has been arrested and charged with child abuse after video from a "Nanny Cam" captured the alleged incident on tape.
Pembroke Pines police arrested 47-year-old Dawn Richards on May 29th after the parents of the infant contacted police.
The parents told police they hired Richards through an on-line agency Care.com and installed a "Nanny Cam" as well.
On May 18th, the parents provided surveillance video of the alleged abuse as it captured Richards intentionally grabbing, pulling, and striking the infant several times, according to police.
After their investigation, police arrested Richards on May 29th and charged her with child abuse.
Richards told police her actions were a result of personal stress and financial hardships combined with the crying, fussy baby.
Richards has since been released from jail on $1,000 bond.
In a statement on Richard's arrest, Care.com said they were very concerned and work with authorities.
"We are deeply saddened by this news and this incident reinforces the need for everyone – families, communities and companies like us who service them, to be vigilant in assuring the well-being and safety of our children," said Care.com's Meredith Robertson. "We take the safety of our community extremely seriously and we are committed to providing families the best tools and resources to help them make an informed hiring decision. We are actively working with local authorities in this matter and our thoughts are with the family."
The Pembroke Pines Police Department is asking that anyone with information on this case, or who may have used Richards for child care purposes and had similar experiences, to call (954) 431-2200, email to Tips@ppines.com, or call Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
