Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE

February 26, 2014

AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE ARREST

(Etowah County, Alabama) A local day care worker has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse.

“Karen Lynn Rowland, 41, of Piedmont (inside Etowah County), was arrested on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, and is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse, which is a Class B felony,” according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

While screaming and cursing at two, 4 year-old children, she allegedly hit one child in the face with a folder and slammed the other child’s head down against a table. The incidents, which were captured on video, happened the week of February 10, 2014.

“I can’t begin to imagine how anyone would consider hurting a child who has been entrusted to their care,” stated Sheriff Entrekin. “My office will continue to defend children and adults who are defenseless and will do our best to see that the abuser serves an appropriate sentence.”

District Attorney Jimmie Harp added, "I appreciate the Sheriff's Office's rapid response to this incident. I stand with Sheriff Entrekin in protecting our children from those who would verbally and physically abuse them especially in a daycare environment. Reporting incidences of this type is crucial to ending them. I appreciate the victims’ families for coming forward."

Rowland was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and later released on $10,000 property bond.

The investigation is ongoing.
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