An Oklahoma home daycare worker is facing serious criminal charges after surveillance cameras allegedly captured her physically mistreating children in her care. On Aug. 25, prosecutors charged 25-year-old Samantha Pearson with three counts of child abuse following an investigation in Moore, Oklahoma. According to Us Weekly, the investigation began after an incident on June 26 at a home daycare facility about 10 miles south of Oklahoma City. Pearson was reportedly caring for several children that day when surveillance footage inside the home allegedly captured her mistreating them while changing their diapers. According to a probable cause affidavit, Pearson allegedly pushed wet wipes into the mouths of children “to get them to stop crying.” She also allegedly forced another wipe into a child’s mouth after the child tried to spit it out. She did not have a childcare license The affidavit further alleges that when one child tried to crawl away from the changing area, Pearson “slammed” the child onto the changing table. Police also reported that she allegedly slapped the child with an open hand. Initial information from the district attorney’s office suggested that the children were infants. However, spokesperson Xavier Cullens later clarified that the children involved were 3 and 4 years old. The investigation has also raised questions about how the daycare was operating. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services confirmed that Pearson did not have a childcare license. Prosecutors have not publicly identified the owner of the residential property where the daycare was allegedly operating. Pearson is currently being held on a $300,000 bond while awaiting trial. Under Oklahoma law, felony child abuse can carry a sentence of up to life in prison, along with fines of up to $5,000, depending on the circumstances and conviction. The charges against Pearson are based on probable cause outlined by investigators, but they remain allegations. As with anyone accused of a crime, Pearson is presumed innocent unless and until she is found guilty in court. The Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office shared details of the case on its Facebook page, prompting a number of reactions from community members. One commenter claimed she had nearly enrolled her children at Pearson’s home daycare. She said she had filled out the necessary paperwork but ultimately decided not to send her children there after getting a feeling that she should choose another provider. “Crazy story is when I was looking for a daycare. I actually filled out all the paperwork for my kids to be watched at her home daycare and something was telling me not to go with it so I didn’t and then this is what I just found,” the commenter wrote. The case has also renewed concerns about oversight of home daycare providers in the Moore community. While surveillance footage can help expose alleged abuse after it occurs, stronger oversight could potentially help identify unlicensed or unsafe childcare operations before children are placed in danger. Advocacy groups have long pushed for background checks Childcare advocates have long pushed for more consistent oversight of providers, comprehensive background checks and accessible information for parents researching potential caregivers. Organizations such as Child Care Aware of America have also highlighted the importance of reliable background-check systems and regulatory oversight in helping parents make informed childcare decisions. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-422-4453.