KINGSTON, Mass. — A Massachusetts daycare that was supposed to provide a safe place for young children has been shut down after its owner was accused of repeatedly abusing toddlers, with authorities alleging that some of the incidents were captured on video.
Karen Rezendes, 51, owned Oh Nana’s Daycare in Kingston, a community roughly 30 miles south of Boston. She is now facing numerous felony counts of assault and battery on young children, along with felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to the Kingston Police Department.
Police say their investigation uncovered allegations involving multiple children over a period of several years.
The accusations include violently shoving a child to the ground, striking a child with kitchen accessories, slamming a child against a counter and locking a child in an attic, along with other alleged acts of abuse.
Investigation Began With Interviews and Video Evidence
Authorities conducted a several-week investigation into the allegations, interviewing children and reviewing video evidence that allegedly captured some of the incidents.
According to local reports citing an arrest affidavit, Rezendes’ estranged husband provided videos to numerous parents as well as the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care.
The videos allegedly showed incidents dating back at least two years, giving investigators evidence to examine as they worked to determine what had happened to children who attended the daycare.
The investigation also included forensic interviews with children.
One girl reportedly told investigators that Rezendes, whom children knew as “Nana,” threw her against a wall. The child described suffering a “big boo boo” on her head and said there was “bad blood.”
The allegations have raised serious questions about what happened inside the daycare and whether warning signs were missed.
Neighbors Say They Had Seen Concerning Behavior
Some people living near Rezendes’ home told that they were not entirely surprised by the allegations. Kylie MacInnis, who said she grew up with Rezendes’ children, told that she had previously witnessed behavior she considered abusive.
“Her behavior towards her kids when we were younger weren’t great,” MacInnis said.
She described witnessing incidents that, in her opinion, involved abusive and unnecessary discipline. MacInnis said she was glad Rezendes was now being held accountable for the behavior she alleged she had witnessed years earlier.
Another neighbor told that she had attempted to alert state investigators about concerns surrounding the daycare.
“When I called the state, her words to me were, ‘the state needs daycare workers,’” the neighbor said.
She questioned how anyone could believe such treatment of children was acceptable.
“Like, what is with these people that they think they can do this to children and that it’s okay? It’s not okay.”
Daycare Shut Down and License Revoked
Following the allegations and investigation, state authorities shut down Oh Nana’s Daycare and stripped Rezendes of her license. The closure prevents the facility from continuing to operate while the allegations move through the legal system.
The case has also sparked an emotional reaction in the surrounding community. Neighbors reportedly placed a sign in Rezendes’ front yard reading “Karma: You reap what you sow.”
The allegations have left parents and community members facing difficult questions about how the children were treated while in daycare.
For families who trusted the facility with their toddlers, the accusations are particularly disturbing because the children were placed there expecting care and supervision.
Rezendes Pleads Not Guilty
Rezendes has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The criminal case will now continue through the Massachusetts court system, where prosecutors will have to prove the allegations against her.
Rezendes is scheduled to make her next court appearance on September 4.
Authorities have not indicated that the case is over, and additional details could emerge as investigators continue reviewing evidence and as the court proceedings move forward.
For now, the daycare remains closed, Rezendes’ license has been revoked, and the allegations against the former daycare owner remain at the center of an investigation involving children, parents and state agencies.
The case is a stark reminder of the responsibility placed on childcare providers and the importance of taking concerns about children’s safety seriously.
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