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A surveillance video shows the moment a teacher at the Lincoln-Martí school-daycare in southwest Miami-Dade strikes and violently shakes a two-year-old girl inside the classroom.
The recording, obtained by local media, captured teacher Merlin Gutiérrez, 21 years old, holding, dragging, and repeatedly slapping the young girl, while the child cries and screams, in front of other minors.
The incident occurred last December and was discovered by the center's director, who reviewed the security footage and immediately notified the authorities. The school suspended the teacher from her duties and in a statement assured her cooperation with the investigation.
Guilty plea and sentencing
Gutiérrez was arrested in December and faced a charge of child abuse. Recently, she pleaded guilty and accepted a plea deal with the prosecution, which requires her to serve five years of probation, attend an anger management program, and undergo a mental health evaluation. Additionally, she is barred from working as a teacher or having unsupervised contact with minors.
During the hearing, the judge prohibited any form of communication, direct or indirect, with the victim. The defendant's lawyer did not make any statements regarding the court agreement, and Lincoln-Martí School has not responded to media requests for comments.
The case has generated outrage among parents and the educational community, who demand greater oversight and controls regarding teaching staff in childcare institutions. This incident has also reignited the debate about safety protocols and the prevention of abuse in nurseries and educational centers.
Authorities and education experts have emphasized the importance of strengthening control measures and training for staff to prevent similar situations in the future. Following the announcement of the verdict, many expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, advocating for harsher penalties for the accused.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Assault Case in Miami-Dade
Who is Merlin Gutiérrez and what accusations is he facing?
Merlin Gutiérrez is a 21-year-old teacher at the Lincoln-Martí daycare-school in Miami, accused of child abuse for physically assaulting a two-year-old girl. The incident was captured by surveillance cameras and reported to the authorities by the director of the educational center.
What legal measures have been taken against Merlin Gutiérrez?
Merlin Gutiérrez was arrested and pleaded guilty, agreeing to a deal with the prosecution that includes five years of probation, attending an anger management program, and undergoing a mental health evaluation. Furthermore, she is prohibited from working as a teacher or having unsupervised contact with minors.
How has the Lincoln-Martí daycare responded to the child assault incident?
The Lincoln-Martí daycare affirmed its commitment to the safety of the children, reported the incident to the authorities, and has fully cooperated with the investigations. The teacher involved has been relieved of her duties while the case is being resolved.
What impact has this case had on the daycare parent community?
The case has generated a wave of concern among the parents of the children enrolled in the daycare. Many parents have expressed their outrage and worry about the safety at the educational center, questioning the existing protection and surveillance measures.
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