Teacher Pleads Guilty to Abusing 2-Year-Old Girl at Lincoln-Marti School
A Disturbing Incident Caught on Camera
A 21-year-old teacher, Merlin Gutierrez, has pleaded guilty to child abuse after a disturbing incident was caught on camera at Lincoln-Marti School in southwest Miami-Dade. The crime took place on December 9 at around 8:30 a.m. when Gutierrez grabbed, shook, dragged, and repeatedly slapped a 2-year-old girl throughout her head and body, according to an arrest report.
Surveillance Video Reveals Horrific Abuse
In the surveillance video obtained by NBC6, the child is heard screaming and crying while Gutierrez confronts her and hits her. The teacher is seen managing to bring the child to a table across the classroom after hitting her multiple times.
Teacher’s Punishment
According to records, Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse and was sentenced to five years of reporting probation. As part of the plea deal, she is not considered a convicted felon. However, she must complete an anger management course and undergo a mental health evaluation. Gutierrez is also prohibited from teaching in public and private schools, and she cannot enter a profession where she cares for children. She is not allowed to have unsupervised contact with minors unless she receives permission from the court.
Response from Lincoln-Marti Schools and Childcare Centers
In a December statement, Lincoln-Martí Schools and Childcare Centers said, "Lincoln-Marti is wholly committed to the safety of every child in our care. The director of Lincoln-Marti’s childcare center witnessed an incident on the center’s camera system and immediately removed the teacher from the classroom. Lincoln-Marti contacted the Florida Abuse Hotline to report the incident, and Lincoln-Marti has cooperated fully with authorities and with the child’s parents. As this is an open investigation, no further comment is appropriate."
Conclusion
This disturbing incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions. It is crucial that schools and caregivers prioritize the well-being of their students and take immediate action when incidents like this occur.
FAQs
- What happened to the teacher?
The teacher, Merlin Gutierrez, pleaded guilty to child abuse and was sentenced to five years of reporting probation. - What is the sentence for the teacher?
Gutierrez was sentenced to five years of reporting probation and must complete an anger management course and undergo a mental health evaluation. - What is the response from Lincoln-Marti Schools and Childcare Centers?
Lincoln-Marti Schools and Childcare Centers stated that they are committed to the safety of every child in their care and have cooperated fully with authorities and the child’s parents.
