Babysitter who attributed children’s injuries to “rough play” while under her care but actually she punched and slapped them when they misbehaved, won’t spend a day behind bars
Indiana – In a shocking case in Indiana, a 31-year-old babysitter, identified as M. Fisher, will not face prison time despite admitting to physically abusing multiple children in her care. On Thursday, Circuit Court Judge S. Sirk sentenced Fisher to three years of house arrest followed by 2 1/2 years of probation. This sentence comes after Fisher reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to five counts of neglect while other battery charges were dropped.
The case against Fisher emerged when authorities were alerted to possible abuse at her home, where she operated a babysitting service. The initial investigation began on September 15, 2022, after the Indiana Department of Child Services contacted the police department. A detective arrived at Fisher’s residence following reports of a child with multiple visible injuries, including marks on his forehead and nose. Fisher claimed these injuries were the result of a fall; however, her explanations did not account for the numerous injuries other children in her care had sustained. According to Fisher, the children were merely playing rough while at her home.
The situation took a grim turn when detectives interviewed the children. Contrary to Fisher’s claim that the injuries were accidental, one child demonstrated how Fisher would act when angry, mimicking kicking and throwing arms while grunting. This portrayal starkly contrasted with Fisher’s explanations.
Further investigations revealed more harrowing details. One child, when asked by his mother how Fisher disciplined them, shockingly replied, “Mom, you get beat up.” He elaborated that punishments for minor mishaps like spills or messes often involved being punched or slapped. Authorities also interviewed another victim, who confirmed the harsh disciplinary methods described by his peers. He straightforwardly told the interviewers that his brother “gets beat up” by Fisher as a form of discipline.
The case has sparked outrage and concern within the community, particularly given the light sentencing despite the serious nature of the accusations. Fisher’s sentencing includes no prison time, only house arrest and probation, a decision that has been met with criticism for not adequately reflecting the severity of her actions.
During the trial, it was disclosed that only a few of Fisher’s charges were old enough to articulate their experiences, which played a crucial role in bringing the abuse to light. The court’s decision to opt for house arrest over imprisonment has raised questions about the justice system’s handling of child abuse cases and the protection of vulnerable children.
As Fisher prepares to serve her sentence under house arrest, the community and the victims’ families are left to deal with the aftermath of her actions and the legal system’s response to a clear case of child endangerment and abuse.
