A Colorado daycare worker is facing 51 criminal charges after slapping a 2-year-old child and using racial slurs in a shocking case of child abuse that has horrified parents across the state.
Key Insights
- Brandon Vigil, a preschool teacher in Centennial, Colorado, has been charged with 28 counts of child abuse and 23 counts of harassment after allegedly slapping a toddler and using racial slurs.
- The incident occurred on September 5, 2024, in a classroom with 14 toddlers present, where Vigil reportedly threw sleeping pads and other items while in an agitated state.
- A teacher’s aide witnessed and reported the behavior, noting that Vigil had been verbally abusive to children previously.
- Investigators discovered multiple instances of harmful and degrading behavior by Vigil after reviewing facility surveillance footage.
- Authorities including the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Child Care Licensing, and Child Protection Services are investigating and have established a tip line for additional information.
Violent Incident Leads to Multiple Charges
Brandon Vigil, hired as a preschool teacher in February 2024, now faces serious legal consequences for his actions at a childcare facility in Centennial, Colorado. The incidents came to light after Vigil allegedly slapped a 2-year-old child for “not moving quickly enough” on September 5, 2024. The violent outburst occurred in a classroom filled with 14 toddlers. According to law enforcement reports, Vigil became enraged and threw sleeping pads and other items around the room, ultimately striking the child who began crying immediately after the assault.
The child’s distress apparently did nothing to temper Vigil’s behavior. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, “The child began to cry, to which Vigil responded with a racial slur.” This shocking response escalated what was already a serious physical abuse incident into one with racially motivated harassment. The daycare center fired Vigil the day after the incident once administrators became aware of what had transpired.
Witness Account Reveals Pattern of Abuse
A teacher’s aide who witnessed the incident provided crucial testimony that helped authorities understand the scope of Vigil’s inappropriate behavior. The aide reported being “shocked” by what she saw that day and further revealed that this wasn’t an isolated incident. According to investigators, the aide disclosed that Vigil had exhibited verbally abusive behavior toward children on multiple occasions prior to the September 5 assault.
This pattern of behavior suggests a troubling environment for the young children under Vigil’s care. The testimony from the aide proved invaluable to investigators as they expanded their probe into Vigil’s conduct during his employment at the facility. The fact that previous concerning behaviors may have gone unreported raises serious questions about supervision and reporting protocols at the childcare center.
Investigation Uncovers Extensive Evidence
Following the initial report, investigators conducted a thorough review of surveillance footage from the daycare facility. What they found was disturbing – multiple instances of harmful and degrading behavior by Vigil toward the children in his care. These discoveries led to the extraordinary number of charges: 28 counts of child abuse and 23 counts of harassment, totaling 51 criminal charges against the former preschool teacher.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Colorado State Child Care Licensing and Administration and Arapahoe County Child Protection Services in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have established a dedicated tip line for parents or others with additional information about potential victims or incidents. The court has temporarily suppressed the affidavit in the case, and officials have not yet publicly identified the specific daycare center where the abuse occurred.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Centennial community and heightened parental concerns about childcare safety throughout Colorado. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure all potential victims are identified and receive appropriate support. The extensive charges against Vigil reflect the serious nature of the allegations and the commitment of law enforcement to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.
Sources:
- Colorado day care worker hit with 51 charges of child abuse, harassment for slapping toddler and hurling racial slur
- Former Centennial daycare worker arrested on 51 counts of child abuse, harassment
