Arrest Warrant Issued for Daycare Owner Accused of Abusing Toddlers

KINGSTON, Mass. — An arrest warrant has been issued for a 51-year-old Kingston woman accused of physically abusing multiple young children who attended the in-home daycare she operated for several years.

Kingston police said the warrant was obtained Thursday, Aug. 27, following a multi-week investigation into allegations involving children who attended Oh Nana’s Daycare. The alleged victims were generally toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4.

According to investigators, the allegations include violently shoving a child to the ground, striking a child with kitchen accessories, slamming a child against a counter and locking a child in an attic. Police said additional allegations of physical abuse were uncovered during the investigation.

The woman identified by police as Karen Rezendes has not yet been arrested.

Kingston detectives said their investigation included interviews with witnesses and a review of video evidence. Police said investigators were able to corroborate statements made by alleged victims and believe additional children may have been victims.

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care also conducted investigations into the daycare. Kingston police said Oh Nana’s Daycare is no longer licensed.

When detectives attempted to execute the arrest warrant at Rezendes’ home, police said she was not there. Investigators believe she may have become aware of police activity through her home security system.

Police said Rezendes has apparently not returned to her residence and that detectives have made multiple attempts to locate her at her home and other locations associated with her. Police also said they contacted Rezendes by telephone and notified her attorney about the warrant, but she has not surrendered.

Rezendes is believed to be driving a gray 2021 Honda Odyssey with Massachusetts registration 2539VJ, according to Kingston police.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Rezendes’ whereabouts to contact the Kingston Police Department. Police specifically warned members of the public not to attempt to detain her themselves.

Investigators are also asking parents and guardians whose children attended Oh Nana’s Daycare in recent years to come forward if they have concerns that their child may have experienced abuse.

Kingston police said parents should pay attention to allegations or injuries that may previously have appeared unusual or may have been attributed to an innocent explanation.

Anyone with information about the case or Rezendes’ whereabouts can contact Detective Zachary Francis at the Kingston Police Department at 781-585-0523, ext. 6675, or by email at ZFrancis@kpdmass.org.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police said additional victims may come forward.

Rezendes is accused of criminal conduct and has not been convicted of the allegations.

Source: Boston 25 News / Kingston Police Department