St. Marys, WEST VIRGINIA — Mary A. Bookman, a daycare worker entrusted with the care of several children, has entered a guilty plea on charges related to the biting of a child.
Bookman pleaded guilty to two counts of felony child abuse resulting in injury and two counts of felony battery of a disabled child. The incident occurred at Pleasants County Christian Childcare LLC in St. Marys, W.Va. Court documents indicate that Bookman bit the child's face, leaving a visible mark for eight days. The incident took place on August 22, 2023, and was captured on the daycare facility's surveillance cameras.
Owner of Pleasants County Christian Childcare, Kayla Haught, expressed her distress over the situation, emphasizing that she does not condone Bookman's actions. Haught assured that all staff members are required to undergo medical clearance to work with children and must complete a thorough background check before employment.
Despite the incident, the daycare facility remains open. Bookman was promptly terminated from her position after Haught was informed of the incident.
Haught noted that Bookman had received training on child abuse and reporting, which made the revelation even more shocking.
Upon learning of the biting incident from another employee, Haught reviewed the footage herself and described it as deeply distressing. She promptly notified the parents of the child involved, contacted the WV Child Abuse Hotline, and informed law enforcement.
Bookman entered her guilty plea on Thursday, September 21, 2023. She is currently held at North Central Regional Jail on an $80,000 cash bond. Bookman's sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2023, and she could face up to 20 years in prison.