Macomb County Child Care Worker Charged With Child Abuse: Police

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI — A Macomb County child care worker is facing charges after prosecutors said she abused a 10-month-old infant in her care.

Samantha Franz was charged with second-degree child abuse and fourth-degree child abuse. She was placed in jail with a $5,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for May 9.

Second-degree child abuse carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fourth-degree child abuse is a one-year misdemeanor.

While working as a child care provider, prosecutors said Franz aggressively abused a 10-month-old infant who was in her care. The incidents were spotted by a co-worker, who saw Franz being excessively rough with the child, prosecutors said.

Video footage from March 31 and April 1 showed Franz using aggressive, forceful, rough and abusive behavior with the crying infant, who suffered bruises on the arms, prosecutors said.

The St. Clair Shores Police Department was immediately contacted, and the case was presented to the prosecutor’s office after an investigation.

Officials did not say exactly where this incident happened.

"The safety and well-being of our children is our absolute top priority. These charges reflect our commitment to holding offenders accountable, and ensuring justice for our most vulnerable members, their families, and the community as a whole " said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.