Daycare Worker Accused Of Breaking Child’s Leg Charged With Child Abuse

A daycare worker, 43, is charged with child abuse after reportedly breaking a youngster's leg out of rage.

Jaqueline Duffel was detained and charged with second-degree assault and abuse or neglect of a child inflicting serious physical injury, according to a news release from the Fredericktown Police Department. According to the Daily Journal, cops were called to Kid's Corner Preschool on Chamber Drive on Monday, July 18, at 2:50 p.m. A representative from the Children's Division said she was there to look into claims of child abuse.

The child was dropped off at Kid's Corner Preschool on July 14 at around 7:10 a.m. The boy, who was upset, allegedly tried to exit the room several times through the front door, but staff personnel dragged him back to the back of the room by one arm. The child was given to Duffel's custody, according to the Daily Journal.

Duffel was allegedly seen on surveillance camera holding the boy by the wrist and raising his arm above his head. The youngster allegedly tried to escape after she twice dropped and picked up the boy off the ground.

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According to a report acquired by the Daily Journal, Duffel stepped on the boy's right shin, visible bowing of the boy's leg resulted, and the toddler screamed. He was allegedly lifted by Duffel and placed on a bench close to the back wall.

The youngster moaned in pain, but Duffel did not attempt to provide him medical attention or notify the authorities, according to the Daily Journal. Authorities were finally called to the scene after another staff member saw the youngster in discomfort at around 7:30 a.m.

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The boy's legal guardian picked him up, the Daily Journal reports, and he is now in Missouri's custody. Duffel was approached by an officer and a representative of the Children's Division at about 6:10 p.m., and she was questioned about the alleged attack. The child was dropped off and was "throwing a fit," according to Duffel, who claims to have 12 years of childcare expertise.

According to the report that the Daily Journal was able to get, Duffel allegedly admitted to the Children's Division employee that she had used force to put the child on the ground, adding, "I'm sure, forcefully."

She was shown the findings and the CCTV footage because it was stated that the child's guardian was not aware of the incident. The victim was taken to Madison Medical Center, where it was discovered that the child had a right leg fracture, according to the Daily Journal.

Duffel was lodged with a $50,000 bond at the Madison County Jail. She was charged on Wednesday, July 20, and pleaded not guilty, according to the Daily Journal.