A Florida mother has been sentenced to probation after allegedly punching a 10-year-old girl in the face during a dispute over a bathroom at a daycare facility in Bay County.
Background
According to an arrest affidavit, Latoya Gaines, 48, of Panama City, arrived at the Bay County daycare facility on April 24 to pick up her 5-year-old daughter and another child when she became involved in an altercation with the victim regarding the use of a single-occupant restroom.
Gaines demanded that the victim exit the restroom so Gaines could use it with her child, according to court documents. When the victim requested Gaines wait her turn, the confrontation escalated.
Witnesses at the daycare corroborated the reported incident after the victim's mother came forward to report the assault. Police went to Gaines' residence to make contact with her but she was not home. Officers reached Gaines by phone and she admitted to being involved in the altercation inside the daycare.
The Investigation
According to police reports, Gaines allegedly intentionally struck the 10-year-old girl in the face with a closed fist, causing visible bruising around the child's eye before leaving the facility on foot with her two daughters.
Gaines was charged with child abuse and pleaded no contest to the charge on July 17, court records reviewed by Law&Crime show. A Bay County judge sentenced her to 24 months of probation, along with 100 hours of public service work and mandatory drug, alcohol, and mental health counseling.
The victim's mother told authorities she wished to pursue charges against Gaines.
Key Takeaways
- Latoya Gaines, 48, was sentenced to 24 months of probation after pleading no contest to child abuse
- The incident occurred April 24 at a Bay County daycare in Panama City, Florida
- Police say Gaines allegedly punched a 10-year-old girl in the face during a dispute over restroom access
- Witnesses corroborated the victim's account of the assault
- Gaines admitted to police she was involved in the altercation
What's Next
Gaines began her probation on July 21. She is required to complete her public service hours and counseling as part of her sentence.
The case remains closed following the sentencing, though court records indicate the matter is now finalized.