CRANFORD, N.J. (WRIC/WABC/AP) — Two former New Jersey day care workers are accused of instigating fights among children in their care.
Prosecutors say 22-year-old Erica Kenny, of Cranford, and 28-year-old Chanese White, of Roselle, are each charged with fourth-degree child abuse. Kenny also faces a child endangerment charge.
White and Kenny were charged via summons last Friday and Monday, respectively, and are expected to appear in court for first appearances this Friday, according to 8News affiliate WABC.
Authorities say the pair instigated fights among children ranging in age from 4 to 6 at the Lightbridge Academy in Cranford on at least one day last month. They also say Kenny recorded video of the fights and shared the clips with several friends on social media.
Investigators say about a dozen boys and girls are shown in the clips shoving each other to the ground and trying to hit each other. The children apparently didn’t suffer any serious injuries.
Prosecutors say that Kenny can be heard in the video clips referring to the fights as “Fight Club,” quoting from the book and movie with the same name.
The Lightbridge Academy released a statement saying officials are “shocked and saddened” by the accusations.
While no children were physically harmed during this incident, we have a zero tolerance policy for anyone who acts in conflict with the core value of Lightbridge Academy – the safety and well-being of children,” the statement read. “We terminated the employment of these staff members and have maintained open communication with our parents throughout this process.”
It wasn’t known Tuesday if Kenny or White had retained attorneys.
