Authorities in South Carolina have arrested a day care worker suspected of violently abusing a baby during the first week of operations at a Christian preschool.
The North Charleston Police Department stated that Gladys Rampersant, 75, was arrested on Thursday and charged with criminal conduct toward a child.
“Detectives with the North Charleston Police Department’s Special Victims Unit have arrested a daycare employee in connection with a case of alleged child abuse, regarding an assault on a child,” the department stated.
Rampersant was working at Sweetgrass Christian Academy on Remount Road when the incident occurred in July. Authorities allege that when caring for a youngster under the age of one, she grabbed the child up by the arms, severely shook them, and then “slammed” the baby into the crib.
Local outlet WCSC reported that Rampersant allegedly returned to the infant shortly after, pulling the baby from the crib and striking them on the head several times.
Rampersant was arrested and put into the Al Cannon Detention Center on a $15,000 bond. She was released several hours after posting bond. According to court documents, her next appearance is planned for October 31.
The situation has sparked significant indignation among parents and residents. Sweetgrass Christian Academy’s social media profiles have been removed, and a Google listing now depicts the facility as “permanently closed.”
According to its official website, the academy had only just celebrated its grand opening on July 26.
