A 54-year-old daycare worker in Georgia, Yvette Thurston, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of aggravated battery after a 1-year-old boy in her care was left with a black eye, swollen face, and multiple cuts.
The incident occurred on Monday at Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge, near the Florida border. The boy’s father, U.S. Marine Cory Weeks, shared photos of his son Clay’s injuries on Facebook, describing the ordeal as “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Weeks initially said he was told another child caused the injuries with a toy, but later obtained surveillance footage allegedly showing Thurston assaulting his son.
Clay was treated at Memorial Hospital and Manor. Decatur County investigators confirmed the daycare’s security footage played a role in their probe.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) confirmed Thurston has been terminated from her position, adding that it will continue working with law enforcement as investigations proceed.
