NASSAU- The former administrator of The Children’s Emergency Hostel was among six women charged following abuse investigations at the facility.
Authorities fired the women after they launched an investigation when surveillance footage of the beating of 11 wards of the state went viral on social media last month.
Prosecutors say that five employees of the hostel, inclusive of administrator Sabrina Smith, participated in the September 22, 2020 beating of the nine boys and two girls entrusted to their care.
The alleged victims range in age from eight to 11.
A sixth worker, Shawn Seymour, was accused of ignoring her responsibility to report the alleged child abuse.
Smith, 61, Eloise Canter, 52; who is wheelchair-bound; Carmetta Woods 47; Natasha Pratt, 46; Occonelle Gordon, 25; denied child cruelty charges at an arraignment before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on Thursday.
Seymour also denied failing to report the abuse of a minor.
If convicted, they could face a maximum of two years in prison or a $5,000 fine.
The accused return to court in November 2 for their trial, which will continue until November 5.
In the meantime, they were each released on $9,500 bail.
As a condition of bail, they must each report to police on Mondays before 6pm.
Barry Sawyer represented Canter and Smith; Ian Cargill and McKell Bonaby represented Pratt and Ryszard Humes represented Woods. Smith and Gordon did not have lawyers.
Sergeant 3605 Samantha Miah prosecuted.
