Police say the lead teacher at the Becky Gates Children’s Center, built by Texas A&M University, is facing felony charges after being caught on camera injuring a 4-year-old.
According to police reports, on May 1, 2012, an employee of the childcare facility observed 52-year-old June Jones grabbing the back of a 4-year-old’s neck and pulling his hair.
The director of the facility was immediately notified and a review of video surveillance confirmed the incident; Jones was then written up.
Further investigation dating back to April 13th revealed numerous occasions where Jones was found grabbing the back of the same child's neck or pulling his hair. According to reports, the surveillance tape revealed the child to be in physical pain after Jones would walk way.
Jones was suspended on May 3rd.
“Through the course of the investigation, through the use of interviews, and video surveillance that was obtained from the facility, officers obtained enough probable cause to obtain a warrant from the Brazos County District Attorney's office for Mrs. Jones' arrest for injury to a child,” explained Texas A&M University Police Lieutenant Allan Baron.
The victim and his family were interviewed by the Texas Department of Child and Protective Services. During the interview, the boy did confirm Jones grabbing the back of his neck and pulling his hair, causing him to say, “It is hurting, hurting, hurting.”
While the investigation is ongoing, police are looking in to whether or not there could be more victims.
“We suspect this is an isolated incident, but there is always the potential because Mrs. Jones was employed there for ten years, so there is the potential there could be potential other victims,“ said Baron.
Jones, a ten year employee of the childcare facility, was arrested Wednesday on charges of Injury to a Child; a third degree felony.
An injury to a child conviction could mean a punishment of 2 to 10 years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine. If convicted Jones could face 2 to 10 years in prison as well as a potential $10,000 fine.
The Becky Gates Children's Center is part of Texas A&M University; and provides child care and preschool program providing care and individualized, developmentally appropriate early childhood activities. The Center was created to provide support to A&M families, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. The Center is an affiliate of Texas A&M University, under the guidance of the Division of Student Affairs.
The Center serves about 152 children, ranging in ages from 12 months to 5 years. Full-time care is provided to meet the needs of our families.
