A former pre-kindergarten teacher in New Mexico has been arrested after authorities say surveillance footage captured her physically abusing a young child at a daycare center. The case came to light after the child’s parents reported the alleged abuse to law enforcement.
Investigators later reviewed security video from the facility and claimed it showed several disturbing incidents involving the teacher and a young boy. The accused educator is now facing multiple felony charges as the investigation continues.
Former Daycare Teacher Arrested in New Mexico
Jennifer Hernandez, 27, has been arrested and charged with seven counts of intentional child abuse in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Authorities say each charge is a third-degree felony, which carries a possible sentence of up to three years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Hernandez, who previously worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher, was taken into custody after investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a local daycare facility.
Investigation Began After Parents Filed Complaint
The case began in late February when parents of a young child reported that their son had been abused by a daycare employee.
Deputies with the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office first opened the investigation at the Discovery Development Center, located on Del Rey Boulevard in Las Cruces.
However, investigators soon learned that the child involved lived outside the county’s jurisdiction. Because of this, the case was transferred to the Las Cruces Police Department.
A detective from the department then obtained security footage from inside the daycare facility.
Surveillance Footage Allegedly Shows Abuse
According to police, the surveillance video captured several incidents of physical abuse involving Hernandez and a young boy under the age of 10.
Authorities say the alleged incidents happened during the early morning hours of December 9, 2025.
Court documents claim the footage shows Hernandez picking up a blue chair with metal legs and striking the child in the chest with the chair leg.
Investigators also said she allegedly slapped the child in the face with an open hand.
Multiple Objects Allegedly Used
Police say the footage also shows Hernandez striking the boy with a black and purple pointer.
According to court documents, the child was hit in the head and body multiple times.
In one moment captured on video, Hernandez allegedly continued hitting the child with the pointer until he fell to the ground.
Authorities noted that despite the violent nature of the incident, the boy did not suffer serious or life-threatening injuries.
Daycare Facility Cooperated With Police
Police emphasized that the Discovery Development Center has fully cooperated with the investigation.
Officials said the facility worked closely with law enforcement and provided access to surveillance footage needed for the case.
Investigators continue to examine the evidence and determine whether additional incidents may have occurred.
Arrest and Possible Additional Charges
Hernandez was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center.
She was initially held without bond.
However, jail records later showed that she was no longer listed as an inmate by Friday afternoon.
Police said the investigation remains active, and more charges could be filed depending on what investigators discover.
