Day Care worker accused of b3ating 1-year-old ’black and blue’ released on bail

A day care worker in Georgia, USA accused of brutally ass@ulting a 1-year-old boy has been released on bail, sparking outrage and a wave of threats directed at the judge who approved her release.

Yvette Thurston, 54, was freed on a $44,000 bond on August 16 after being charged with three counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of first-degree aggravated battery.

Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Rose-Emmons, who granted the bond, later received death threats. District Attorney Joe Mulholland defended the judge, condemning the threats and vowing to prosecute anyone who tries to intimidate members of the judiciary.

“Our office will not tolerate abuse of the children in our community, who are entrusted to others for their safety while their parents work to make a living. Likewise, we will not tolerate threats against our judges, who are carrying out their sworn duty under the laws of the State of Georgia,” Mulholland said in a statement.

Thurston was arrested on August 11 after Clay Weeks, a toddler at Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge, near the Florida border, suffered severe injuries on his first day at the facility.

Clay’s father, U.S. Marine Cory Weeks, shared photos of his son on Facebook showing one swollen, blackened eye and multiple bloody scratches across his face. He said he was initially told another child had hit Clay with a toy, but surveillance footage allegedly showed Thurston striking the boy.

Despite disappointment over Thurston’s release, Weeks urged patience as the legal process unfolds. “It is important that we all allow the investigators and legal system to thoroughly complete their responsibilities to achieve the result we all want,” he wrote.

Clay is reportedly recovering well with constant medical evaluation and family support. His 3-year-old brother, Wyatt, also attends the church-run day care but was not harmed.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning has since issued an “emergency closure” order for the facility as investigations continue.