Santa Monica Nanny Suspected Of Abuse After Infant Is Hospitalized: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica police are seeking additional victims and witnesses in an ongoing child abuse investigation involving a Simi Valley nanny accused of physically abusing an infant in her care.

Santa Monica Police Department detectives responded April 7 to a Los Angeles-area hospital regarding a suspected child abuse case involving an infant, according to police. During the investigation, detectives learned the child may have been abused by Carolina Cobian, 65, of Simi Valley, while she was employed as the infant’s nanny, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Police said the infant was evaluated by medical personnel and did not suffer life-threatening injuries. The child is no longer in Cobian’s care.

Officers arrested Cobian on April 15 and booked her into the Santa Monica Jail on suspicion of felony child abuse. She was later released on bail.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count of child endangerment, under California Penal Code 273a(a), on April 24. Cobian is scheduled to be arraigned May 28 at the Airport Courthouse.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have hired Cobian as a nanny, childcare provider or caregiver to contact investigators. Authorities are also seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge relevant to the case or concerns about a child previously in her care.

Because the investigation involves a minor and remains active, police said they are limiting the release of additional details to protect the child’s privacy and preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lizette Hardgrave at Lizette.Hardgrave@santamonica.gov
or Detective Sgt. George Burciaga at George.Burciaga@santamonica.gov.