LI Day Care Worker, Accused Of Intoxication, Fainted At Work: PD

BABYLON, NY — A day care employee was arrested after endangering the welfare of multiple infants and toddlers after she fainted while under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs at a Babylon facility on Monday, Suffolk police said.

Police said they were called to Pride and Joy Childcare on Deer Park Avenue after Maria Rubino fainted on the job around 12:40 p.m. Police said she was not the only employee assigned to the room.

During transportation to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, a paramedic with the Babylon Fire Department smelled alcohol on Rubino’s breath and noted she was exhibiting signs of intoxication by drugs and/or alcohol, police said. Child Protective Services were notified, and an investigation was initiated.

Police arrested Rubino, 38, of Great Neck — who was responsible for caring for five children ranging in age from four months to 18 months old while she was intoxicated — and charged her with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

She is slated to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.