Two daycare workers in Mississippi have been arrested after a young child suffered burns to their feet, with the childcare center claiming its own investigation uncovered deliberate abuse rather than an accident.
Olivia Mosely, 17, and Rhina Delgado, 20, both of Oxford, Mississippi, were arrested October 9 following an investigation into injuries allegedly sustained by a child at North Oxford Creative Learning Center.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office said deputies first received a troubling report on September 22 concerning a child whose feet had been burned while attending daycare.
Investigators immediately opened a case, spending more than two weeks examining the allegations before obtaining arrest warrants for the two workers.
Mosely now faces three counts of felony child abuse, while Delgado has been charged with one count of misdemeanor child neglect.
But one of the most disturbing developments came from the daycare itself.
In a statement to local television station WTVA, North Oxford Creative Learning Center revealed that its internal investigation determined the child’s injuries resulted from intentional actions by former staff members.
The facility said the burns were not accidental, although it declined to explain exactly what happened, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.
“The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care remain our highest priorities,” the center said, adding that the conduct uncovered was unacceptable and violated its standards for employees.
The daycare, operated by North Oxford Baptist Church, provides childcare for infants and preschool-aged children, along with after-school programs for older students. According to its website, the center is licensed to care for up to 150 children.
Authorities have not disclosed the injured child’s age, how the burns occurred, or the severity of the injuries. Investigators also have not publicly explained why Mosely faces three felony counts.
Both defendants appeared before a Lafayette County Justice Court judge on October 9.
Mosely’s bond was set at $25,000, while Delgado received a $2,500 bond.
The childcare center said it is cooperating with sheriff’s investigators and state authorities as the case moves forward.
“Our prayers remain with the children and families affected by this incident,” the facility added.
The arrests have brought attention to serious allegations at a place where parents entrust caregivers with their children’s safety.
Under Mississippi law, felony child abuse can involve knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causing serious physical harm to a child. Prosecutors must establish the elements of the charges in court.
As of October 14, authorities had not announced additional arrests or released further details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries.
