In a startling incident, two daycare workers in South Carolina, Ericka Sherai’ Jones, 27, and Serena Caldwell, 56, have been accused of organizing a child fight club, where toddlers were allegedly encouraged to engage in physical altercations.
These allegations have sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about the safety of the children involved.
Caldwell faces a total of 15 charges, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor and unlawful conduct toward a child. Jones, on the other hand, faces 14 similar charges.
Both women were employed as daycare workers at Kids Unlimited of Prosperity in Newberry County, South Carolina.
The disturbing events came to light when a child attending the daycare informed their mother that they had been told to harm another child by the daycare staff.
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster revealed that the daycare workers not only encouraged these young children to engage in physical altercations but also failed to intervene and stop the violence.
What makes this case particularly unsettling is that investigators believe at least 14 children, aged between three and four, were coerced by Jones and Caldwell into slapping, pushing, shoving, and hitting one another.
These children, at such a young age, should have been in a nurturing and safe environment.
Upon learning of these allegations, Kids Unlimited of Prosperity acted quickly, reviewing security footage, and subsequently terminating the employment of Jones and Caldwell.
The daycare also promptly alerted law enforcement, leading to an investigation by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
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Sheriff Foster commended the daycare’s response, stating, “The daycare did exactly what the law says, and maybe more; they went above board.”
He condemned the actions of the accused daycare workers, noting that they told the children that these fights were a form of punishment or a means to encourage compliance with rules.
Sheriff Foster expressed his disbelief at the situation, asking, “What were you thinking?” He expressed his astonishment that anyone could deem it appropriate to encourage such violent acts among three and four-year-old children.
Notably, the injuries sustained by the toddlers were reportedly not severe, but the emotional trauma they may have endured could have long-lasting effects.
Disturbingly, there are indications that Jones may have recorded these incidents on her cell phone, adding another layer of concern to this already distressing case.
Additionally, Caldwell is accused of striking one of the young children with a box of baby wipes.
During a recent court appearance, a magistrate judge granted Jones a $56,000 surety bond, while Caldwell was granted a $60,000 surety bond.
Both former daycare workers were released under strict conditions, which include not contacting the victims, refraining from contacting any minors in need of care, and obtaining permission from the solicitor’s office should they wish to leave the state.
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