A former Irvine babysitter has been charged with 10 felony child abuse counts after surveillance footage allegedly captured her violently shaking and punching a two-month-old infant in her care.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Shocking Abuse
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, 29-year-old Anaheim resident Iara Bomfim fled to Brazil on July 12, just one day after the infantโs mother discovered the abuse through a home security camera. The mother had rushed to the room the previous day after hearing her baby scream, though Bomfim claimed everything was fine. Upon reviewing the footage, the mother witnessed Bomfim sitting on a yoga ball while severely shaking the baby and striking the infant’s back of the head with a fist.
Surveillance videos revealed repeated instances of physical abuse dating back to June 17. Footage also captured the baby falling headfirst from a bed and being handled roughly. The extent of the impact on the infant’s health has not been publicly disclosed.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
Bomfim was arrested by Irvine police on October 23 after returning from Brazil and attempting to find another babysitting job using a new account on Care.com. Currently being held on a $500,000 bail, Bomfim has denied the allegations. If convicted on all charges, she faces up to 18 years in prison.
