Daycare Workers Charged After Child Abuse Reported: North Port Police

NORTH PORT, FL — Two workers at Building Blocks Children’s Center in North Port face charges after a child was abused at the daycare, authorities said.

Evelyn Jennings, 51, was charged with one count of abuse without great harm, and Cindy Desrosiers, 60, was charged with three counts of failure to report suspected child abuse as a mandatory reporter, according to a North Port Police Department news release. All counts are considered felonies.

A parent reported to police earlier this month that their child had visible marks and bruises after attending the center. Since then, detectives have investigated the report, conducting interviews and gathering evidence while working alongside child protection experts with the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Health.

Investigators learned that Jennings “willfully abused” a 3-year-old at the daycare by grabbing the child’s arms and legs, causing a physical injury, police said.

“Other accusations have also surfaced, including other previous allegations of similar incidents made against Jennings, who has been fired from multiple daycare facilities,” the agency said.

There were witnesses to the incident and leadership at the center was made aware of it. Despite this, Jennings wasn’t reprimanded and the incident wasn’t documented or reported to DCF, police said.

Desrosiers, the director of the facility, was made aware of the ongoing allegations of child abuse by staff and parents. She not only failed to report the incidents, but also prevented another teacher from reporting them, NPPD said.

Any adult professional who works with children is a mandated reporter, which means they are legally responsible for reporting suspected or disclosed abuse.

“While we take all crimes seriously, one of the greatest responsibilities we have in law enforcement is helping those who cannot speak out for themselves,” North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison said. “If you hurt a child in North Port, you can count on hearing from us.”

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Both DCF and the Florida Department of Health are continuing to look into the center. Anyone with information is asked to contact NPPD’s tip line at 941-429-7382.