Greenwich Woman Accused Of 'Force-Feeding' Toddler Pleads Guilty

GREENWICH, CT — A Greenwich woman and former daycare worker accused of force-feeding a 17-month-old toddler in 2018 has pleaded guilty to risk of injury to a minor, according to a report from Greenwich Time.

Karen Von Tobel appeared in Stamford Superior Court on Wednesday. As part of her guilty plea, she received a suspended prison sentence of five years along with three years of probation, Greenwich Time said.

Von Tobel is also now prohibited from working in a role where she supervises children.

On Dec. 12, 2018, Von Tobel was arrested on a warrant that charged her with risk of injury to a minor and cruelty to persons.

Police said a video of Von Tobel at a childcare facility in Greenwich from October 2018 depicted a child crying, gagging and choking while food was forced into his mouth.

The child did not suffer injuries, but the incident was corroborated by an eyewitness, according to police. An investigation was launched after Greenwich police were notified of the incident by the state Department of Children and Families.

Assistant State's Attorney Elizabeth Mora said that Wednesday's plea deal came after conversations with the parents of the child, Greenwich Time reported.

— This story contains previous reporting from Patch Editor Alfred Branch

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