A Carmel woman accused of assaulting a child at a Brewer daycare has been sentenced to a paltry week behind bars.
Blake Sullivan appeared before a Penobscot County judge, taking the stand in tears as she apologized, WABI-TV reports.
The incident,which occurred a year ago and was captured on camera, showed Sullivan slamming a child to the ground.
The child’s family was not notified until more than a month after the incident.
During sentencing, Sullivan’s family members addressed the court, describing the emotional toll the case has caused.
They characterized the incident as a “poor moment” and emphasized to the judge that they do not consider Sullivan to be a violent person.
The child’s parents were also present in court.
They, along with two grandparents, submitted statements detailing the impact the incident has had on their family and the deep sense of distrust it has created.
“This is not just a momentary lapse in judgment, it was an abuse of power over a vulnerable child who could not protect himself or tell his story at the time,” said Chelsea Lynds, deputy district attorney for Penobscot County on behalf of the child’s mother.
“I’m here today to speak for my son whose trust was violated and whose sense of safety was taken from him.”
Sullivan told the court, “I’m so sorry that it came to this and that we have to be here, and I’m devastated.”
In addition to jail time and a year probation, Sullivan has been ordered to undergo mental health counseling and treatment.
She is prohibited from working in any role caring for children during her probation and may have no contact with the victim or the victim’s family.
Elevate Childcare in Brewer, where the incident occurred, has since closed.
Northern Maine Daycare Worker Who Slammed A Child To The Ground Gets Off Easy: 7 Days In Jail
By Ted Cohen
