Watertown suspicious injuries to baby; YMCA staffer could face charges
WATERTOWN, Wis. - Charges are being referred to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office against a YMCA staff member after police investigated suspicious injuries to a baby boy who was being cared for at the YMCA Daycare Center in Watertown.
Officials say Watertown police were called to investigate the injuries at the YMCA around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. The infant was being treated at ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.
"It's kind of messed up," said Shane Morey, a parent. "I never thought I’d have to deal with a problem of maybe wondering if my kids have to go somewhere else, you know?"
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Investigators determined the child's injuries occurred while the boy was at the YMCA Daycare Center.
In a now-viral Facebook post, the child's father wrote the bruising happened on his son's second day at daycare. FOX6 News viewed photos of the 3-month-old child. He had red marks along his torso. The boy's parents declined to speak with FOX6 News on camera Thursday.
Watertown Area YMCA
YMCA staff fully cooperated with the investigation, officials said.
Again, charges have been referred to the D.A.'s office. Officials said the YMCA staff member is not in custody. A spokeswoman for the D.A. told FOX6 News no criminal charges have been filed.
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The infant's parents said there is video of the incident.
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Jon Lange, Chief Executive Officer, Watertown Area YMCA
"The safety and well-being of children at the Watertown Area YMCA is, and always will be, our top priority. Regarding a recent matter involving an infant in our care we are fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation. To our knowledge there have been no arrests made. The staff person involved in this matter has been put on administrative leave, and parents utilizing our daycare services have been notified and provided an update. We are not aware of any other complaints regarding the care provided to kids in our care and we take great pride in our reputation of being a trusted provider of quality daycare services."