Snohomish County, WA – A nanny has been charged with first- or second-degree child assault after allegedly repeatedly beating a five-month-old infant, causing brain bleeds and cerebral palsy.
According to prosecutors, the child's parents hired Amber Lass (37) through the care.com platform in September to provide care three days a week. While initially pleased with the nanny's gentle demeanor, the parents began to notice changes in Lass's attitude after about a month. She complained that the baby was "clingy" and "fussy."
Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor Julia Hartnell said that a review of the living room surveillance camera revealed that Lass had repeatedly struck the baby on the knee while holding the infant and had even thrown the baby onto a couch, with the impact captured on the CCTV.
Hartnell stated that as a result of the abuse, the infant was unable to hold up their head, had a limp, and experienced respiratory distress. Despite calling 911, Lass claimed to be unaware of how the baby had sustained these injuries.
A medical examination revealed that the infant had suffered "countless" brain bleeds, a result of ongoing head trauma.
Lass is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. According to KOMO News, prosecutors stated that she has no prior criminal record.
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