A disturbing case out of Georgia has shocked parents and raised questions about child safety in day care centers. A 33-year-old day care worker has been accused of violently handling toddlers, including body-slamming a 3-year-old girl during nap time.
The incident, caught on surveillance camera, has led to both criminal charges and a lawsuit from the child’s parents.
Day Care Worker Charged After Shocking Incident
The worker, identified as Samantha Hertzog, faces first-degree child cruelty charges. According to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s mother, Stephanie Watts, Hertzog was seen on video kicking a young girl’s cot, flipping the child onto her face, and then forcefully slamming her onto the cot’s hard frame.
The child reportedly began crying and screaming, but Hertzog allegedly responded by saying, “That’s why you don’t play!” Police later confirmed the girl suffered a cut on her nostril, swelling across her nose, and bruising near her left eye. Doctors later diagnosed the child with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Lawsuit Against Big Blue Marble Academy
The incident happened at Big Blue Marble Academy in Sharpsburg, Georgia. The lawsuit claims that the day care failed to properly vet Hertzog before hiring her in 2024, despite her criminal history. In 2020, Hertzog was reportedly arrested and charged with assault.
Court filings also reveal that other staff and parents had raised concerns. One teacher allegedly told the director that “Samantha was aggressive and mean with the kids” and requested she be removed from her classroom.
The complaint further claims Hertzog assaulted a 3-year-old boy in February 2024, grabbing and scratching him because he was “not a good listener.” While the parents moved their son to another classroom, the center allegedly failed to report the incident to state authorities or discipline Hertzog.
Criminal Charges and Trial Date
The alleged assault on Watts’ daughter took place on March 21, 2024. Just five days later, Hertzog was arrested and charged. Her trial is currently scheduled for February 2026.
Big Blue Marble Academy has also been named as a defendant in the lawsuit. In a public statement, the academy said:
“As soon as we were made aware, we acted swiftly to report the incident to local authorities and conduct an internal investigation, which resulted in the immediate termination of their employment. We have zero tolerance for the mistreatment of the children within our care.”
Parents Demand Accountability
Watts and her legal team are seeking a jury trial, asking for compensatory and punitive damages. They argue that the day care failed to protect children by keeping Hertzog employed even after repeated complaints.
The case has highlighted the importance of strict background checks and stronger accountability measures for child care providers. Parents across the state are expressing concern, demanding that regulatory agencies enforce tougher oversight to prevent such tragedies.
What’s Next in the Case
Hertzog remains under criminal charges while the civil lawsuit against her and Big Blue Marble Academy moves forward. For parents like Stephanie Watts, the legal fight is not just about justice for her daughter but also about ensuring no other child suffers similar harm.
