Lexington day care worker charged with assaulting children in her care

LEXINGTON, S.C. (WIS) - A day care worker faces criminal charges after police say security video shows her “aggressively” grabbing children in her care.

Breanna Audette, 23, of Irmo, was employed at Harvest Daycare on Whiteford Way in Lexington.

Police say an allegation against Audette was reported by a parent and the daycare immediately launched an investigation on July 12.

Surveillance footage shows Audette grabbing children “aggressively by the arm, neck, and face,” officers said. She also pushed one child to the ground, investigators reported.

Police arrested Audette on July 15 and charged her with 14 counts of unlawful conduct towards a child.

The day care suspended her from work when the allegation first came to light. She has since been fired, according to Harvest Church Administrator Brooks Cannon.

Cannon released the following statement on behalf of Harvest Church:

“Last week, we learned about unacceptable actions by a Harvest Daycare employee. We immediately suspended this individual while assessing the situation. In addition, upon review of the individual’s actions, we decided to report the concern to law enforcement and DSS.

We have been informed that this situation is the subject of an ongoing law enforcement investigation and thus, cannot provide further details at this time. However, please know we are fully cooperating with the investigation and committed to the safety and care of every child at the daycare.”

Audette was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center but has since been released. A judge granted her a bond of $14,000.

Investigators said the case is ongoing and that Harvest Daycare has cooperated with police and the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? Click or tap here to report it. Please include the article’s headline.