A teacher has been detained after allegedly molesting a 2-year-old kid at Lincoln-Marti School in southwest Miami-Dade.
According to the arrest report, the crime occurred at 8:30 a.m. on December 9, when 21-year-old Merlin Gutierrez “grabbed, shook, dragged, and repeatedly slapped the little girl throughout her head and body.”
The incident on the school at 22165 Southwest 112th Avenue was captured on surveillance camera, authorities said.
Gutierrez surrendered to police two days later and refused to give a statement, authorities said.
She was charged with child abuse without significant physical harm, and her bond was set at $5,000. She is detained at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Lincoln-Martí Schools and Childcare Centers emphasized their commitment to the safety of all children in their care. The director of Lincoln-Marti’s daycare center observed an event on the facility’s surveillance system and promptly withdrew the teacher from the classroom.
Lincoln-Marti reported the event to the Florida Abuse Hotline, and she has completely cooperated with the authorities and the child’s parents. As this is an ongoing inquiry, no more comments are appropriate.”