Merlin Gutiérrez, a 21-year-old teacher at the Lincoln-Martí daycare-school located at 22165 Southwest 112th Avenue in Miami, is facing a charge of child abuse without serious bodily harm after being accused of physically assaulting a two-year-old girl.
According to the police report -quoted by local media- the incident was recorded by surveillance cameras at the educational center and caused alarm among the parents.
According to the arrest report, the incident occurred on Monday, December 9, 2024, at around 8:30 a.m., inside a classroom at the daycare.
In the surveillance video, Gutiérrez can be seen holding, shaking, dragging, and repeatedly slapping the child on the head and body.
These actions were uncovered during a review of the cameras by the director of the childcare center, who immediately removed Gutiérrez from his duties and notified the authorities.
Legal actions and court appearance
Gutiérrez -whose nationality has not been disclosed- appeared last Wednesday at the police station in The Hammocks district in Miami-Dade, where she was arrested.
Merlin Gutiérrez refused to make any statements following her arrest. She was later taken to the TGK jail and appeared in court on Thursday.
During the bail hearing, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer outlined the charges against him and assigned him a public defender.
Glazer set bail for the accused at $5,000.
Furthermore, the judge ordered strict precautionary measures, including a ban on any direct or indirect contact with the victim, even through social media, as well as a requirement to maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from the minor's home and school.
Investigations are ongoing, and the accused has been prohibited from returning to the daycare until the ongoing case is resolved.
Statement from Lincoln-Martí School
The daycare administration expressed its commitment to the safety of the children in its care in a statement sent to Telemundo 51.
"Lincoln-Martí is fully committed to the safety of every child in our care. The director of the Lincoln-Martí childcare center witnessed the incident on the center's cameras and immediately removed the teacher from the classroom," they pointed out.
The institution also confirmed that they reported the incident to the relevant authorities and have fully cooperated with both law enforcement and the parents of the minor involved.
"Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot provide further details on the matter," the statement concluded.
The case has raised a wave of concern among the parents of other children enrolled in the daycare. Some, interviewed by CBS News Miami, expressed their outrage upon learning about the incident and questioned the safety of the educational facility.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Abuse Case in Miami
Who is Merlin Gutiérrez and what accusations does he face?
Merlin Gutiérrez is a 21-year-old teacher at the Lincoln-Martí daycare-school in Miami, accused of child abuse without serious bodily injury for physically assaulting a two-year-old girl. The incident was captured by surveillance cameras and reported to the authorities by the school's director.
What legal actions have been taken against Merlin Gutiérrez?
Merlin Gutiérrez was arrested and appeared in court, where a bail of $5,000 was set. Strict protective measures have been imposed, including a prohibition on contacting the victim and maintaining a minimum distance of 500 feet from her home and school. Additionally, she is forbidden from returning to the daycare while the investigation continues.
How has the Lincoln-Martí daycare responded to the incident?
The management of the Lincoln-Martí daycare issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to the safety of the children in their care. They reported the incident to the authorities and have fully cooperated with law enforcement and the parents of the affected child. The teacher has been removed from her duties while the case is being resolved.
What impact has this case had on the daycare parent community?
The case has sparked a wave of concern among the parents of children enrolled in the daycare. Many parents have voiced their outrage and worry regarding safety at the educational center, questioning the existing protection and oversight measures.
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