Day care employee accused of force-feeding, violently shaking infants

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) - Officers in Florida arrested a day care worker accused of mistreating infants in her care.

According to the Ocala Police Department, Karla L. Penalverty-Gonzalez, 33, was arrested on eight counts of child abuse and one count of resisting an officer.

Authorities said they investigated multiple incidents involving babies at All Stars Learning Academy on West Silver Springs Boulevard between March and July of this year.

The incident includes allegations that Penalverty-Gonzalez engaged in rough handling, forced feeding, violent shaking and near-suffocation of infants.

Detectives say a video recording provided by an employee reportedly shows one of the reported incidents.

The allegations were first reported to supervisors at the day care. However, the day care reportedly failed to take appropriate action.

The Department of Children and Families is requiring remedial training for the rest of the day care’s staff.

Penalverty-Gonzalez started her employment at the day care in July 2024.

Detectives said they are continuing the investigation while reviewing how the management team responded. They are urging anyone with additional information to contact Detective Pfeifer at 352-369-7000.