Former Daycare Employee in Bowling Green Charged with Child Abuse

Arrest in Bowling Green, Kentucky

In a startling revelation, a former employee of First Baptist Childhood Development Center, a local daycare in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has been charged with multiple counts of criminal abuse towards children. The suspect, Maranya Shobe, faces 10 counts of third-degree criminal abuse. Following the charges, Shobe has since stopped working at the center. She is set to face the charges in court on May 9th, 2024.

Disturbing Abuse Caught on Camera

Local police began their investigation on February 20, after they received several reports from parents about possible abusive behaviors at the First Baptist Childhood Development Center. Parents claimed to have viewed surveillance footage at the daycare and noticed signs of abuse towards their children.

After securing a legal subpoena, authorities got hold of the surveillance video which reportedly showed disturbing scenes of abuse. The suspect was clearly shown “carrying children across the room by one arm,” with their feet lifted off the ground. This kind of handling can potentially lead to “serious injuries to their arms, shoulders, or elbows.”

More Allegations of Abuse

Police stated their surveillance footage review revealed even more distressing incidents involving Maranya Shobe. She appeared to intentionally walk into children multiple times, leading them to fall. In total, seven children were identified as victims of these abusive incidents.

Court Citation

According to the hearing details, Shobe was cited to court on March 29. The former daycare worker, now a criminal abuse suspect, will have her first day in court on May 9, 2024.

Public Reaction

News of the charges has caused great concern in the local community, especially among parents whose children attend or have attended First Baptist’s daycare program. The center, long regarded as a safe and nurturing environment for local children, is currently dealing with this unfortunate incident.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Bowling Green Police Department continues its investigation into these troubling allegations. Therefore, more information will be available as they proceed with their whatever legal actions are necessary to ensure the safe care of children at this facility.

The daycare facility has yet to offer an official statement. Parents and the local community continue their wait for a comprehensive explanation about these grave allegations of child abuse and concerns for the safety of their children. It is hoped that this entire episode will lead to heightened measures of child protection at daycare centers.