Plano daycare worker facing charges for tossing child
PLANO, Texas - A Plano daycare worker is facing charges after video surfaced showing her tossing a child onto the ground.
Jazmine Torres was taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon and has been charged with endangering a child, a state jail felony.
According to a Facebook post, a mother was watching live surveillance video from Children’s Courtyard of Plano and saw Torres sling an 18-month-old boy onto a nap mat.
“I was horrified,” said Caitlin Gilmore, Ollie’s mother. “He was handled very roughly for an 18-month-old.”
Despite how violent the incident appears, Caitlin said Ollie was checked by doctors and thankfully wasn't injured.
“We felt we've done everything that we can to keep him safe and for that to still happen to him it's heartbreaking,” Gilmore said.
Children’s Courtyard, which is located on Parkwood Boulevard, has had several violations this year. Since 2015, there have been nine “high risk” violations, according to a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services report.
In February there was a violation where a caregiver used inappropriate methods to discipline children. In January a child was left unattended and in a separate incident that month a child was left alone on a playground for nearly 30 minutes.
In a statement, the daycare said it has strict policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children.
“Upon being made aware of this situation, we immediately notified the authorities and partnered with the state as well as conducted our own investigation. Those involved are no longer employed with us,” Children’s Courtyard said.
Plano police want to see what happened before and after the incident.
“The video typically doesn't lie,” said Officer David Tilley, Plano PD. “That's the one thing that we are in the process of getting on this situation, is getting the full video.”
George Gilmore, Liam's father, said they were grateful to Plano police for acting so quickly.
The Gilmore’s hope all parents can learn from their experience.
“I want everyone to know, don't let your guard down. Always be watching. If you have the cameras, check in on them,” Caitlin said.
Police said Torres' bond was set at $10,000.