Lindale, TX – A 45-year-old day care worker has pleaded guilty to abusing six toddlers over 100 times at a day care in Lindale, Texas, authorities said. Catherine Guziejka admitted to committing the assaults at the Punkin’ Doodles Day Care, located roughly 200 miles north of Houston.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
On Tuesday, Guziejka pleaded guilty to six counts of injury to a child with the intent to cause bodily injury, court records show.
- Her attorneys are requesting a sentence of 10 years for each count, to be served concurrently
- Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 12
Investigation and Discovery
The case began in October 2024, when an employee at Punkin’ Doodles reviewed security camera footage and observed Guziejka kicking a 2-year-old boy in the lower back while the child was on the floor.
The employee promptly notified the child’s father on Oct. 23, 2024, who then filed a report with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the report, investigators reviewed additional footage and discovered Guziejka physically assaulting six different toddlers a total of 134 times over several months, beginning in July 2024.
Details of the Abuse
According to investigators, many of the assaults followed a similar pattern:
- Toddlers were watching television when Guziejka would approach from behind and kick them in the lower back with her right foot
- She was also observed standing on the children’s hands, aggressively moving them in their sleep, and dragging them by the arm to changing tables
- While changing the children, Guziejka reportedly forced them to stare at the wall, holding their heads down to prevent them from looking at the TV
Confirmation by Former Day Care Owner
Melanie Dawn Law, the former owner of Punkin’ Doodles Day Care, reviewed the footage before contacting police. Law confirmed that Guziejka had been assaulting children since July, with at least 100 instances documented.
- Guziejka, who was hired in September 2023, was fired immediately after the abuse was discovered
- All footage was turned over to investigators
- Law has since sold the day care, which is set to reopen in December under a new name
Sheriff’s Statement
Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith told local news outlet KLTV that it was fortunate none of the children suffered serious injuries, with the assaults causing only minor to moderate bruising.
What measures do you think day cares should take to prevent abuse? How can parents ensure their children are safe while in care? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
