HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a daycare worker from Panda Hugs Academy on charges of child abuse, following an investigation into a troubling incident that occurred at the facility late last year.
Detectives were alerted to the alleged abuse on December 30, 2024, at Panda Hugs Academy, located at 15051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Surveillance footage from the daycare showed 26-year-old daycare worker Denario Powell removing a three-year-old child from a chair and leading him into a bathroom.
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Witnesses later reported hearing the child crying, loud banging noises, and Powell yelling during the incident.
When the child exited the bathroom, he approached a witness, touched his neck, and pointed toward Powell. Detectives determined that the child had sustained multiple lacerations and abrasions to his face and neck while in Powell’s care.
On January 13, 2025, Powell was arrested without incident and charged with one count of child abuse.
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“No child should ever endure harm at the hands of someone entrusted with their care and education,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The actions of this individual are beyond reprehensible, and we will ensure justice is served for this child. Let this arrest send a clear message: we will not tolerate anyone who threatens the safety and well-being of the children in our community.”
The investigation remains active.
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