Former Marietta daycare worker arrested

MARIETTA, Ga. - Authorities in Cobb County arrested a daycare worker Thursday on charges she injured a child at the daycare.

The warrant accuses daycare worker Gail Pereira of cruelty to children.

Marietta Police told FOX 5's Patty Pan they started their two-month investigation after receiving information about a June 4 incident at the daycare at Zion Baptist Academy in Marietta.

According to the arrest warrant, Pereira tugged and pulled on the 20-month-old child, causing pain and nurse mads elbow.

The warrant states "Pereira's actions caused the child excessive physical paint, and she did not immediately get medical help for the child."

Cobb County deputies arrested Pereira Thursday afternoon.

Zion Baptist Academy Principal Dr. George Weathers said Pereira has been on administrative leave during the investigation, which began immediately after the alleged incident.

Dr. Weathers said as soon as he got word the state had concluded its investigation and found what he called substantial evidence, he had no choice but to take action immediately and fire her.

He said Pereira was hired in March to oversee the daycare's class for 1-year-olds after they received approval by Bright from the Start, the state agency that oversees daycares.

FOX 5 learned she was also arrested on charges of family violence, simple battery - provoked battery in February 2016.

FOX 5 News has reached out to Bright from the Start for comment but as of 4 p.m. Thursday, they had not responded.