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Three former employees of the Bright Horizons in Columbus Circle have now been indicted following a months-long investigation into alleged abuse of children under their care. The charges follow a February complaint to the city’s Health Department, which launched an immediate investigation and reported its findings to the Administration for Children’s Services. The school is located at 910 Eighth Avenue (between 58th and 59th streets) and is part of one of the largest daycare networks in the country.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced the indictment on Wednesday, stating that the defendants—Evelyn Vargas, 47; Latia Townes, 24; and Shakia Henley, 37—are facing multiple counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Vargas faces additional charges of Assault, Strangulation in the Second Degree, and Attempted Assault. Townes has also been charged with three counts of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree.
Prosecutors say Vargas abused at least nine toddlers between 12-24 months from September 2023 to February 2025. Allegations include dragging toddlers by their hair and arms, covering a toddler’s mouth and nose with packing tape until she turned red, striking children with metal bottles, force-feeding concentrated ginger shots, and restraining children in chairs for extended periods.
Townes is accused of abusing at least five toddlers between August 2024 and February 2025. Prosecutors say she hit children in the head with bottles, shoved them to the ground, restrained them in chairs, and verbally taunted them while they were in distress.
Henley, employed at the center from January 29 to February 20, 2025, allegedly sprayed at least two toddlers in the face with mixtures of soap and bleach diluted with water. She is also accused of keeping children restrained in chairs for prolonged periods.
“This is appalling conduct, and my office’s Child Abuse Bureau is dedicated to protecting our youngest New Yorkers,” said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. He encouraged any parent or guardian with concerns to contact the Child Abuse Bureau at 212-335-4300.
All three employees had been fired before the Health Department received the initial complaint in February. Bright Horizons said it took immediate action upon learning of the allegations, terminated the employees, and notified authorities. The company also submitted a corrective action plan in response to a summons issued by the Health Department.
Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 child care centers globally. In a previous statement, the company said its “concern has always been for the children and families involved, and we remain committed to supporting them.”
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“Bright Horizons said it took immediate action upon learning of the allegations, terminated the employees, and notified authorities.”
immediate = 24 months?
What kind of supervisors is Bright Horizon using? GROK? Or is supervision done from a central office in Florida via Zoom?