The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A daycare employee in Minnesota was taken to a hospital after the authorities said she was heavily intoxicated while supervising children at work.
According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred on February 23 at a childcare facility in Plymouth, where staff initially believed the worker was experiencing a medical issue. Another employee contacted the authorities to report what was described as a possible panic attack. Children in the room were moved elsewhere so the situation could be addressed.
Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators allegedly showed the employee’s condition worsening throughout the afternoon. The video reportedly captured her appearing unsteady, slurring her speech, and struggling to maintain balance. At one point, she was seen nodding off while attempting to fasten a child’s clothing. Moments later, she allegedly picked the child up and fell backward into a wall, causing the child’s head to make contact with the surface.
The footage also allegedly showed the employee attempting to comfort the child before losing balance again and falling on top of them. Despite the incident, the daycare later stated that no children were injured.
When the authorities arrived, they reported detecting the odor of alcohol and observing signs of impairment. A preliminary breath test allegedly indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.356. The employee reportedly told officers she had consumed alcohol during a lunch break before returning to work.
As officers attempted to take her into custody, she allegedly resisted by pulling away, dropping to the ground, and biting an officer on the leg. Due to her reported level of intoxication, she was transported to a hospital rather than being taken directly to jail.
She was later charged with child endangerment and interfering with a peace officer and was released after being booked. The daycare confirmed she was terminated following the incident and said it cooperated with the investigation.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.