Disabled Child's Caretaker Arrested For Alleged Child Abuse

SANTA ANA, CA — A nurse with 14 years experience was arrested on suspicion of abusing a disabled child Tuesday, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. The caretaker was assigned to a 6-year-old boy with CHARGE Syndrome. This genetic disorder means the child has the mental capacity of a 2-year-old, needs a feeding tube, and is hard of hearing, Bertagna said. The boy also requires round-the-clock care.

"About three weeks ago (the mother noticed her) child started acting out and became more aggressive toward her, which was a change in personality that was out of the norm," Bertagna said. The mother called the company that employed the nurse and they said they "were working on it," but when the "child's behavior didn't improve, she got a nanny cam," Bertagna said.

What she saw shocked and horrified her, according to an interview on ABC7.

The below video shows the nurse, 54-year-old Oscar Felix, apparently sitting at a table preoccupied with what Bertagna said was a cell phone. The boy attempts to gain Felix's attention and is pushed away. Felix can be seen striking out by slinging a backpack. Footage also shows Felix kicking toys at the child when he's on the floor and pinching his ears.

Felix works for Maxim Health Care Services, according to ABC7 reports. The service issued the following statement:

"The care and safety of our patients is our highest priority. Immediately upon learning of this incident we suspended the employee and initiated an investigation."

The company, which is cooperating with police, said Felix has been fired.

During his interview with police, Felix made "incriminating statements," Bertagna said.

As Felix has worked in the role of caretaker for several years, police are concerned there may be other victims, Bertagna said. Felix was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to Orange County Jail records.

Santa Ana Police Photo