Babysitter charged with brutal child abuse after being caught on video

In early May 2025, La'Keysha Jackson, a 24-year-old babysitter, was arrested in the Bronx, New York, for allegedly abusing three young boys aged 2, 4, and 6 who were left in her care. The arrest followed the release of video evidence showing Jackson repeatedly beating the children with a belt, alongside other abusive behaviors such as slamming one child into a bed and striking another with a hanger. The family's attorney reported that Jackson had struck the children 58 times during the incidents. The disturbing nature of the abuse, which was captured on camera, prompted the Bronx district attorney to issue an arrest warrant for Jackson shortly after the video was made public. The children have reportedly suffered long-lasting trauma as a result of the abuse. The parents of the children, represented by their attorney Daniel Szalkiewicz, expressed a sense of relief following Jackson's arrest, indicating that the children are still dealing with the repercussions of the abuse. Szalkiewicz emphasized the need for changes in the city's Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. La'Keysha Jackson had been employed through ACS by a private contractor called Selfhelp Community Services. In light of the allegations, Selfhelp terminated Jackson's employment and stated that it is fully cooperating with investigations by ACS and the NYPD. ACS has also mentioned that it takes these actions very seriously and is assessing the procedures of the contracted providers to ensure children’s safety in the future. They have publicly condemned the actions of Jackson and indicated that they are conducting a thorough review of their policies and employee oversight practices. Calls for accountability from ACS and its contractors are growing, with community members demanding better training and background checks for caregivers. The city has faced scrutiny regarding its oversight of child care providers, particularly those contracted by ACS. The Department of Investigation (DOI) is also pushing for easier access to ACS records to improve accountability and transparency regarding investigations into child abuse allegations. The organization asserts a commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of children under the city’s care, indicating this incident will be a critical point for policy reassessment going forward.