Merlin Gutiérrez, a 21-year-old educator at Lincoln-Martí daycare school located on Southwest 112th Avenue in Miami, is facing charges of child abuse without causing severe bodily harm. She stands accused of physically assaulting a two-year-old girl. The alarming incident was captured by surveillance cameras at the educational center and has left parents deeply concerned, according to local media reports.
The arrest report reveals that the event took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m., inside a classroom at the daycare. Surveillance footage shows Gutiérrez holding, shaking, dragging, and repeatedly slapping the toddler on the head and body. These disturbing actions were discovered when the daycare's director reviewed the camera footage, promptly removing Gutiérrez from her duties and alerting the authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Court Appearance
Gutiérrez, whose nationality has not been disclosed, turned herself in at the Miami-Dade district police station in The Hammocks last Wednesday, where she was subsequently detained. She refused to comment following her arrest and was later transferred to the TGK Jail before appearing in court on Thursday.
During the bond hearing, Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer outlined the charges against her and appointed a public defender. Gutiérrez's bail was set at $5,000. The judge also imposed strict precautionary measures, including a complete ban on any direct or indirect contact with the victim, such as through social media, and a requirement to maintain a distance of at least 500 feet from the child's home and school. Investigations are ongoing, and she is barred from returning to the daycare pending the resolution of the case.
Statement from Lincoln-Martí School
In a statement to Telemundo 51, the daycare's administration emphasized their dedication to the children's safety. "Lincoln-Martí is fully committed to the safety of every child in our care. The director of the Lincoln-Martí childcare center observed the incident on the center's cameras and immediately removed the teacher from the classroom," they stated.
The institution confirmed that they reported the incident to the relevant authorities and are cooperating fully with law enforcement and the parents of the affected child. "Since this is an active investigation, we cannot provide further details on the matter," the statement concluded.
The case has sparked significant concern among parents of other children enrolled at the daycare. Some, speaking to CBS News Miami, expressed outrage upon learning of the incident and questioned the center's safety measures.
FAQs on Child Abuse Allegations in Educational Settings
What are the charges against Merlin Gutiérrez?
Merlin Gutiérrez is charged with child abuse without causing severe bodily harm, following accusations of physically assaulting a two-year-old girl at a Miami daycare.
What measures has the court imposed on Gutiérrez?
The court set a $5,000 bail and imposed restrictions, including no contact with the victim and maintaining a 500-foot distance from the child's home and school.
How has the daycare responded to the incident?
The Lincoln-Martí daycare has expressed their commitment to safety, promptly removing the teacher involved and reporting the incident to authorities.