A Massachusetts woman who operated a daycare facility in Kingston is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say she threw toddlers against walls and counters, beat them with kitchen accessories, and locked children inside an attic.
Karen Rezendes, 51, owned "Oh Nana's Daycare" for several years in the community roughly 30 miles south of Boston. Police allege the abuse occurred over at least two years and involved several young victims.
Background
The investigation began after Rezendes' estranged husband sent videos depicting the alleged abuse to parents whose children attended the daycare, as well as to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care, according to Kingston Police Detective Karen Rezendes, speaking in an official capacity with local CBS affiliate WBZ.
WBZ, citing an arrest affidavit, reported that the videos dated back at least two years. Detectives subsequently conducted forensic interviews with the children involved and reviewed video evidence depicting the alleged assaults.
During one interview, a young girl described how Rezendes—known to the children as "Nana"—threw her against a wall, causing what she called a "big boo boo" on her head with "bad blood," according to investigators.
Neighbors who spoke with local media outlets indicated they were not entirely surprised by the allegations. One woman who grew up with Rezendes' own children told WBZ that she had witnessed what she described as abusive behavior toward them when they were younger.
"Her behavior towards her kids when we were younger weren't great," Kylie MacInnis said. "There were things I witnessed on my own that were in my opinion abusive and unnecessary in terms of discipline. I'm kind of glad that at least at this point she's being brought to justice for her behavior."
Another neighbor told ABC affiliate WCVB that she had spent years attempting to alert state investigators about concerns regarding the daycare.
"When I called the state, her words to me were, 'the state needs daycare workers,'" the neighbor recalled. "Like, what is with these people that they think they can do this to children and that it's okay? It's not okay."
The Charges
Rezendes has been charged with multiple counts of felony assault and battery on young children and felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to the Kingston Police Department.
Police detailed the alleged conduct in a statement: "This includes allegedly violently shoving a child to the ground, striking a child with kitchen accessories, slamming a child against a counter, locking a child in the attic, and additional abuse."
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care has shut down the daycare and stripped Rezendes of her license to operate such a facility.
Rezendes pleaded not guilty to all charges during her arraignment.
Key Takeaways
- Karen Rezendes operated "Oh Nana's Daycare" in Kingston, Massachusetts, for several years before allegations surfaced
- Police allege abuse occurred over at least two years and involved multiple toddler victims
- The estranged husband reportedly sent videos depicting alleged abuse to parents and state agencies
- One victim described receiving a "big boo boo" with "bad blood" after being thrown against a wall
- Rezendes faces multiple felony counts including assault and battery on children and assault with a dangerous weapon
- State regulators have revoked her daycare license and closed the facility
What's Next
Rezendes is scheduled to appear in court on September 4 for further proceedings. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges as they continue to review evidence and interview potential witnesses.
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care are cooperating with the criminal investigation.