Former New Mexico Pre-K Teacher Arrested After Video Allegedly Shows Child Being Hit With Chair at Daycare
Jennifer Hernandez
A former pre-kindergarten teacher in Las Cruces, New Mexico, was arrested and charged with several child abuse charges based on surveillance evidence that showed him physically abusing a young child at an area day care, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.
Police arrested 27-year-old Jennifer Hernandez on Wednesday and charged her with seven counts of intentional child abuse, all third-degree felonies, according to police.
How the Case Began: Parents Reported Abuse Suspect
According to information obtained, the case began in late February when the parents of a child went to the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and said they suspected the child was being abused, which led to the lawsuit. However, it is worth noting that the abuse allegedly occurred within city limits, which is why the case was turned over to Las Cruces police.
During the investigation, police sought and obtained security camera footage from the Discovery Developmental Center, where the suspect taught pre-K.
Police reports state that security camera footage shows multiple instances of a child under the age of 10 being physically abused. However, it is important to note that the abuse did not cause great bodily harm, according to police.
It is said that all of the alleged events took place in the early hours of December 9, 2025.
Surveillance Video Claims: Several Assault Claims
Police documents obtained by KFOX14 and CBS4 detail several incidents captured on video.
Police claim the video shows Hernandez:
– He took a chair and used its metal legs to hit the child
– He slapped the child repeatedly in the mouth and face
– Using the pointer to hit the child’s face and head at least twice. Once a child was hit and fell to the ground.
Police allege that all these incidents occurred while the child was at daycare.
Possibility of Arrest and Additional Charges
Hernandez was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Detention Center in Doña Ana County. He will be held in custody without bail.
Police also stated that Discovery Development Center’s ownership and management were cooperative throughout the investigation as detectives reviewed all evidence.
Police are asking anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Las Cruces Police Department.
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