A daycare owner in Kingston, Massachusetts, has been arrested on child abuse charges after allegedly beating toddlers with kitchen utensils, locking a child in her attic, and violently shoving and slamming children in her care. Karen Rezendes, 51, ran Oh Nana's Daycare from her home, and the allegations have shocked neighbours and prompted police to seek out other potential victims, raising serious concerns about oversight of home-based childcare.

Rezendes, 51, pleaded not guilty on Friday to abusing children aged between one and four, including striking a one-year-old with utensils and slamming another against a kitchen counter. Kingston Police launched a multi-week investigation in July after a tip-off from her estranged husband, gathering witness interviews and video evidence before issuing an arrest warrant; she handed herself in after a short manhunt. Her daycare has since lost its licence, and officers have appealed to parents whose children attended the centre to come forward if they suspect abuse.