LI Child-Care Provider Burned Toddler In Scalding Bath: Police

A Hempstead day-care provider was arrested on Sunday after police say she burned a toddler in a scalding-hot bath.

According to police, a 2-year-old boy was left in the care of Yenci Elizabeth Lopez, 19, at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Police say she is a long-term day-care provider for the family.

Lopez put the boy into a scalding hot bath for several minutes, police said, and left him unattended despite his screams. She then left the home without providing care for the burned child, police said.

The child was later transported to a local burn unit for treatment of second-degree burns over about 20 percent of his body.

Lopez was arrested without incident. She is charged with reckless assault of a child by a child day care provider, second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. She is scheduled to be arraigned today in First District Court in Hempstead.