Daycare Horror in Woodbury: Minnesota Caregiver Charged After Infant Suffers Broken Femur!
A Woodbury daycare worker is facing serious charges after a baby girl’s leg was broken in a disturbing incident. 🌐 #News #WoodburyMN #Minnesota #Childcare
WOODBURY, MN – A serious charge has been filed against a caregiver at a Woodbury, Minnesota day care following an incident where a 9-month-old girl sustained a broken femur. The incident took place earlier this year, leading to a criminal investigation.
Details of the Incident
The caregiver, 35-year-old Chantelle Vevang, was charged on Friday in Washington County District Court with felony malicious punishment resulting in substantial bodily harm to a child. Vevang was employed at Stepping Stones Early Learning Center when the injury occurred on April 11, 2024.
According to the criminal complaint, Vevang initially reported that the baby girl became fussy after waking up from an afternoon nap. She claimed the child needed a diaper change and was “squirming a lot” with fecal matter spread up her back.
Vevang admitted she might have applied “a little too much pressure” while pushing the baby’s right leg back during the diaper change. She also mentioned hearing a “crack or a pop sound” before the baby cried out in pain.
Conflicting Accounts
However, Vevang’s account of the incident changed over time. She initially informed another staff member that the baby had fallen while attempting to pull herself up to stand.
When the baby’s grandparents, who were caring for her while her parents were on vacation, picked her up, they were told that the child had fallen. Upon bringing their granddaughter home, they noticed her leg was swollen, with red marks near her groin. The swelling worsened overnight, prompting a visit to the doctor, where a broken femur was diagnosed.
The day care facility later learned of Vevang’s conflicting stories and notified the grandparents. Vevang eventually admitted to applying pressure to the baby’s leg and hearing the popping sound.
Medical Findings and Legal Proceedings
The medical team at Children’s Hospital determined that the injury was a severe, totally displaced femur fracture. They concluded that the injury could not have resulted from a routine diaper change or a simple fall. Additionally, three small bruises were found in areas not typically associated with routine care or a fall.
As a result of the injury, the 9-month-old girl was placed in a spica cast, which extends from her chest down to the broken leg.
If convicted, Chantelle Vevang could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Reminder: All parties are considered innocent before proven guilty. Photo of Stepping Stones Early Learning Center courtesy: Google Street View.
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