Columbus Circle Day Care Scandal: Toddlers Hit with Metal Water Bottle, Dragged by Hair, Mouths Taped Shut, and More

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The New York City Health Department received a complaint in February alleging that children at the Bright Horizons daycare center in Columbus Circle were being abused by employees of the 3-K and Pre-K school. The department launched an investigation that same day. Now, police have arrested three former employees of one of the largest daycare brands in the country.

“The allegations were substantiated, and the findings were shared with the Administration for Children’s Services Office of Special Investigations immediately,” a Health Department spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News, which broke the story. The department added that the three employees had already been fired by the time the complaint was received in February. The ACS Office of Special Investigations, which investigates suspected child abuse and neglect, was also looking into the allegations.

Evelyn Vargas is accused by prosecutors of covering a toddler’s “mouth and part of her nose” with packing tape back in January. A witness saw the girl “turn red and cry” before Vargas removed the tape, a criminal complaint says. Another witness told prosecutors that Vargas grabbed a child “by the hair and dragged her a few feet” while the child was “crying and appeared to be in pain.” Between October 2023 and March 2024, investigators also say she struck three toddlers “multiple times in the head with metal water bottles and other objects” and stuffed tissue into a child’s mouth.

“She’s been in daycare services for over 21 years, had her own business before working at Bright Horizons, and cares deeply about the children she watches while maintaining her innocence,” Vargas’ attorney said last Friday, July 11.

Another employee, Shakia Henley, is accused by the Manhattan District Attorney of spraying a child in the face earlier this year with a bottle containing “soap mixed with water and bleach mixed with water.” Henley’s attorney said the client has no comment.

Latia Townes, the third former employee, is also accused by prosecutors of hitting children with metal water bottles, restraining toddlers in chairs, and more.

“Our concern has always been for the children and families involved, and we remain committed to supporting them. Our most important responsibility is to provide a nurturing and safe environment for children,” said a Bright Horizons spokesperson, adding that they first became aware of the matter in February, fired the employees immediately, and notified investigators.

The Health Department issued a summons subject to fines and required Bright Horizons, whose website says it operates more than 1,000 centers worldwide, to submit a corrective action plan.

“The health and safety of New York City’s children in child care are a top priority,” a department spokesperson said in a statement.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office asks anyone with additional information to call its Child Abuse Bureau at 212-335-4300.

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