(Updated with statement from Apple Tree Early Child Center)
A Sioux Center woman has been charged with felony child endangerment following an incident at a local daycare earlier this month.
According to a criminal complaint, 27-year-old Kathryn Elizabeth Pine, of Sioux Center, is accused of hurting a child in her care at a daycare facility on October 15th. She was arrested on a warrant Saturday by a Sioux County Sheriff’s Deputy.
In his statement, the investigating officer says Pine allegedly pushed the victim’s head against a cot and held him in what a witness described as a “headlock.” The report says Pine did not deny the allegations and told authorities she should have called for help instead.
Pine is charged with Child Endangerment Causing Bodily Injury, a Class C felony in Iowa.
In a new statement, courtesy of Media Partner KTIV, the Early Child Center said the incident was immediately reported to Iowa Health and Human Services, and the employee was terminated the same day. The center says it is fully cooperating with investigators, adding that “child safety and development are our top priorities.”
Court records show Pine was booked into the Sioux County Jail in Orange City and later released the same day after posting a $5,000 bond.
The case remains under review by the Sioux County Attorney’s Office.
