Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
A woman in Massachusetts is facing child abuse charges after she allegedly assaulted several toddlers at her in-home day care. Neighbors told CBS Boston that they've been aware of her behavior for decades.
Karen Rezendes, 51, owns Oh Nana's Daycare in Kingston. She was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Kingston Police Department says the victims were between the ages of 1 and 4. One of her neighbors, who wanted to remain anonymous, says they reported Rezendes multiple times over the years.
"What is with these people that they think they can do this to children and that it's OK? It's not OK," the neighbor said.
Another neighbor, Kylie MacInnis, told CBS Boston that she grew up with Rezendes' children and says the allegations do not surprise her.
"Her behavior towards her kids when we were younger weren't great. There were things I witnessed on my own that were, in my opinion, abusive and unnecessary in terms of discipline. I'm kind of glad that at least at this point she's being brought to justice for her behavior," she said.
Police began investigating after a witness came forward with details of the alleged abuse. Investigators say they obtained surveillance video that supported the claims.
According to Det. Michael Skowyra, Rezendes is accused of violently pushing a child, as well as picking up another child and slamming them on the counter and using kitchen accessories to hit a child in the face. At least on one occasion, she also locked a child in the attic, he said.
"It's unfortunate, too, when you're talking about other individuals that have placed the care of their children in this woman," Skowyra said.
New court documents also outline some of the abuse, with one child telling detectives "she got a 'big boo boo' on her head and there was 'bad blood.'" Another child was asked, "Did Nana hit you?" and answered, "Yes, in the face," while another said he didn't want to return to day care.
After Rezendes' arrest, neighbors left signs in her yard, including one that said, "KARMA: You reap what you sow."
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
WKRC on Facebook: facebook.com/WKRCTV
WKRC on Twitter: twitter.com/Local12
WKRC on Instagram: instagram.com/local12wkrc/?hl=en
WKRC on TikTok: tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?lang=en
Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC673WfesrYoCgG9VsekGlEQ/?sub_confirmation=1
For more information, visit local12.com
Download the WKRC News app: local12.com/station/news-app
Download the WKRC Weather app: local12.com/weather/weather-app
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: local12@local12.com
Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872
WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com
A woman in Massachusetts is facing child abuse charges after she allegedly assaulted several toddlers at her in-home day care. Neighbors told CBS Boston that they've been aware of her behavior for decades.
Karen Rezendes, 51, owns Oh Nana's Daycare in Kingston. She was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Kingston Police Department says the victims were between the ages of 1 and 4. One of her neighbors, who wanted to remain anonymous, says they reported Rezendes multiple times over the years.
"What is with these people that they think they can do this to children and that it's OK? It's not OK," the neighbor said.
Another neighbor, Kylie MacInnis, told CBS Boston that she grew up with Rezendes' children and says the allegations do not surprise her.
"Her behavior towards her kids when we were younger weren't great. There were things I witnessed on my own that were, in my opinion, abusive and unnecessary in terms of discipline. I'm kind of glad that at least at this point she's being brought to justice for her behavior," she said.
Police began investigating after a witness came forward with details of the alleged abuse. Investigators say they obtained surveillance video that supported the claims.
According to Det. Michael Skowyra, Rezendes is accused of violently pushing a child, as well as picking up another child and slamming them on the counter and using kitchen accessories to hit a child in the face. At least on one occasion, she also locked a child in the attic, he said.
"It's unfortunate, too, when you're talking about other individuals that have placed the care of their children in this woman," Skowyra said.
New court documents also outline some of the abuse, with one child telling detectives "she got a 'big boo boo' on her head and there was 'bad blood.'" Another child was asked, "Did Nana hit you?" and answered, "Yes, in the face," while another said he didn't want to return to day care.
After Rezendes' arrest, neighbors left signs in her yard, including one that said, "KARMA: You reap what you sow."
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
WKRC on Facebook: facebook.com/WKRCTV
WKRC on Twitter: twitter.com/Local12
WKRC on Instagram: instagram.com/local12wkrc/?hl=en
WKRC on TikTok: tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?lang=en
Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC673WfesrYoCgG9VsekGlEQ/?sub_confirmation=1
For more information, visit local12.com
Download the WKRC News app: local12.com/station/news-app
Download the WKRC Weather app: local12.com/weather/weather-app
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: local12@local12.com
Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872
WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com
