Karen Rezendes, 51, is accused of physically abusing children ages 1 to 4 at Oh Nana’s Daycare, including allegedly locking a child in an attic and striking another with kitchen tools.
Karen Rezendes, 51, surrendered shortly after Kingston police asked the public for help locating her. Investigators had obtained an arrest warrant Thursday charging her with assault and battery.
According to police, their investigation uncovered allegations that Rezendes physically abused children in her care. The alleged incidents included locking a child in an attic, hitting a child with kitchen tools and shoving a child. The children involved ranged in age from 1 to 4, police said.
Investigators said they reviewed video evidence and conducted witness interviews as part of the investigation. The case was investigated alongside the Children’s Advocacy Center at the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and Department of Early Education and Care also conducted separate investigations, police said. Oh Nana’s Daycare subsequently lost its license.
Rezendes was scheduled to appear in court Friday afternoon. It was not immediately clear whether she had an attorney who could comment on the allegations.
Kingston police are urging parents whose children attended the day care to come forward if they believe their child may have been abused.
Police specifically asked parents who have not yet spoken with investigators to contact Detective Zachary Francis at ZFrancis@kpdmass.org or 781-585-0523, ext. 6649.
“If your child attended this daycare, you have not spoken to a detective, and you now suspect abuse, we would like to hear from you,” police said.
Investigators said parents should contact them even if their child’s previous statements or injuries initially appeared to have an innocent explanation.
The allegations against Rezendes have not been proven in court.
