Day Care Staff Accused of Child Torture

Three staff members at the Gingerbread Manor Child Care Center in Rockledge, Florida, face serious accusations of child abuse. Nativia Latria King, Kia Walker, and Stacy Hamilton Jackson are charged with aggravated child abuse and tampering with a witness. Authorities allege that surveillance footage revealed the employees regularly engaged in physical abuse, including striking children with hands and a wooden spoon, as a routine form of punishment. These actions reportedly caused the children significant distress, making them fearful and prone to flinching.

During an investigation initiated on January 16, 2026, officials noted that the alleged abuse was a common practice at the facility. The employees are also accused of attempting to obstruct the investigation by preventing children from speaking with investigators and by trying to disable the video surveillance system. While the center's director, Kia Walker, has had some charges dismissed according to the center's statement, court documents show the aggravated child abuse charge against her is still pending as of February 12, 2026. Further charges are possible as the investigation continues.