Worcester County, MD - A daycare worker from the Berlin Education Station Childcare Center in Worcester County has been indicted and faces charges of child abuse. 

The charges stem from an investigation that began on November 2, 2023, when Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) received a complaint concerning the welfare of an eight-month-old infant with a significant leg injury. The baby was reported to have sustained a fractured tibia, which led to an extensive investigation by the WCSO Criminal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation revealed that the injured child attended the Berlin Education Station Childcare Center. Video surveillance footage from the center unveiled actions by an employee, Heather Ward that appeared to cause the child's fractures. 

The footage also raised issues about her interaction with several other children under her care.

As a result of the investigation, the Worcester County State's Attorney's Office presented the case to the Worcester County Grand Jury on March 26, 2024. 

Heather Ward was formally indicted and now faces ninety (90) criminal violations, including ten (10) felony charges of child abuse. These charges specifically pertain to nine (9) children who were under her care and supervision at the Childcare Center.

Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli has assured that his office maintains an unwavering commitment to protecting children and will continue working with CPS and other community partners to ensure that such cases are thoroughly investigated and the guilty parties are held accountable for their actions.