Woman Sentenced To 5 Years For Physically Abusing Children At N.J. Day Care Center
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Friday was sentencing day for a New Jersey day care worker convicted of abusing children.
The woman made an emotional plea to parents before learning her fate, CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported.
"I can't begin to tell you how embarrassed and ashamed I am of my actions," Ann Bactawar said.
Bactawar was contrite and sometimes teary-eyed as she apologized to her victims and their parents, just minutes before having the cuffs slapped on.
The 27-year-old teacher's aide was convicted on multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was sentenced to five years in jail.
"For three months ... it's a nightmare for the children who are on her watch," said Debra Simon of the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.
Simon said during that period in 2013 at Sunnyside Academy day care center in Jersey City, Bactawar physically abused five children -- one of them 2 years old and the others even younger.
Her actions, which were said to be captured on video, were described by the prosecutor as hitting and manhandling.
Angry parents of the victims, who were standing side by side with Bactawar in the courtroom prior to sentencing, told the judge of their pain and heartache and later described some of what happened to CBS2.
"She had dragged my son by his arm across the floor," one parent said.
Bactawar pleaded guilty to five of the eight counts against her.
The judge in the case referred to Bactawar's conduct as a systematic pattern of aggression.
"These are babies, under the age of 2. You should not accept that responsibility unless you have the temperament, the demeanor and the patience to deal with these children," Hudson County Superior Court Judge Martha Royster said.
Judge Royster said Bactawar had a prior criminal history involving drugs and violent behavior.
And now … a future filled with regret.
"I am so sad that I am involved with something so hurtful. I am sorry to the children of your families," Bactawar said.
Prosecutors charged three other day care workers in the case, the last of whom will be sentenced next Friday.
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