Day care owner known as ‘Nana’ allegedly locked toddlers in attic, hit them with kitchen tools

KINGSTON, Mass. (TCN) -- A 51-year-old woman is accused of abusing several children between 1 and 4 years of age at her in-home day care center over the years.

According to the Kingston Police Department, an investigation revealed that Karen Rezendes, owner and operator of the in-home Oh Nana’s Daycare, allegedly physically abused multiple young children in recent years.

Rezendes allegedly shoved a child to the ground, locked another in the attic, hit a child with kitchen accessories, and slammed a child into the counter, according to police.

Documents obtained by CBS News allege that one toddler told investigators that she got a “big boo boo” on her head. Another child responded in the affirmative when investigators asked, “Did Nana hit you?”

Rezendes’ neighbors have reportedly shown concern about her alleged behavior, according to WCVB. One neighbor told the outlet, “When I called the state, her words to me were, the state needs daycare workers. … Like, what is with these people that they think they can do this to children and that it’s okay? It’s not okay.”

Another neighbor told CBS News, “I’ve lived here for 20 years. I think it’s not shocking that she would do something like that. Obviously it’s crazy that someone would treat a child in that manner. … Her behavior towards her kids when we were younger weren’t great. There were things I witnessed on my own that were in my opinion abusive and unnecessary in terms of discipline. I’m kind of glad that at least at this point she’s being brought to justice for her behavior.”

In addition to the investigation by police detectives, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care conducted their own investigations. Oh Nana’s Daycare is no longer licensed, per police. 

Police obtained an arrest warrant for Rezendes on Aug. 27. She turned herself in to Plymouth District Court the following day and was arraigned on charges including felony assault and battery on young children and felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to WCVB. She pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 4 for a pretrial hearing.

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