Anaheim Nanny Faces 10 Felony Counts After Video Shows 2-Month-Old Being Shaken
Prosecutors say the caregiver fled to Brazil the day after the mother discovered the abuse on a home camera.
By Alejandro Brooks ·
Iara Dossantos Bomfim, 29, was arrested on October 23 in Irvine after Orange County prosecutors filed 10 felony counts of child abuse against her. The charges stem from video evidence showing the woman repeatedly striking and shaking a two-month-old infant in the family's home.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, the alleged abuse began on June 17, when the baby was two months and 10 days old. Footage from the family's nanny cam captured Bomfim sitting on a yoga ball while violently bouncing the child. The recording shows the infant's head and neck moving back and forth and side to side. Bomfim is also seen punching the baby in the back of the head with a closed fist.
The violence continued until the child was three months and five days old. Over a 30-day period, the camera captured instances of punching, hitting, and shaking. In one clip, the baby fell off the bed headfirst. On another occasion, Bomfim was seen forcefully throwing the infant onto the mattress.
The family became aware of the abuse on July 11, when the mother heard her son screaming and checked the nursery. She reviewed the nanny cam footage and saw the incidents unfold. The following day, on July 12, Bomfim traveled to Brazil.
Bomfim was apprehended on October 23 when she returned from Brazil. Irvine Police officers detained her while she was attempting to create a new account on Care.com to advertise her services. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Todd Spitzer, the Orange County District Attorney, described the incident as a nightmare for the family. "This family’s nightmare began the moment a monster disguised as a loving nanny walked through their front door with open arms to care for their brand-new baby," Spitzer said. He added that the case serves as a reminder that "evil can hide behind the friendliest of smiles and the heartiest of laughs."
Bomfim is currently being held on $500,000 bail. If convicted on all 10 counts, she faces a maximum sentence of 18 years in state prison.
Source: KTTV
