Las Cruces daycare director arrested for allegedly abusing child with autism

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- According to court documents recently obtained by ABC-7, 59-year-old Angie Flores was arrested after one of her employees filmed her dropping a child onto the ground. Court documents state that Flores is the director of the Discovery Child Development Center. The employee contacted police to show them the video and report other alleged abuse. Police say the employee covertly filmed the incident, telling officers she was scared of retribution. Police say the employee was fired for filing the police report.

The employee alleges that Flores repeatedly smacked, dropped, body slammed, and dragged a 3-year-old child with autism. The employee told police that the child would cover his face and yell "no" repeatedly whenever he saw Flores walking towards him. When investigators showed up at the daycare to ask questions, Flores told them that the autistic child was often disruptive and that his mother also dealt with his behavioral issues at home. The employee told investigators that Flores often referred to the child as the "retarded kid." The employee also reported seeing Flores drag the child into her office for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Flores is also accused of smacking other students' hands, too. The initial investigation began in February of 2023. Flores was arrested this month after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She is charged with two counts of child abuse. She has been released from the Dona Ana County Detention Center.