LINDALE, TEXAS — A 45-year-old day care worker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to repeatedly abusing toddlers under her care at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care in Lindale.
Catherine Guziejka admitted to physically assaulting six different two-year-old children 134 separate times between July and October 2024. She pleaded guilty to injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury, a felony offense under Texas law.
Abuse Captured on Surveillance Video
The abuse came to light in October 2024 after another employee reviewing security footage saw Guziejka kick a two-year-old boy in the lower back as he lay on the floor. The footage prompted an internal investigation and immediate involvement from local law enforcement.
When investigators reviewed additional recordings, they discovered dozens of incidents involving unprovoked assaults. Prosecutors described the behavior as “systematic and senseless,” saying the abuse was not triggered by misbehavior or stress.
Assistant District Attorney Richard Vance said, “This was just an ongoing thing for no reason.”
According to the affidavit, Guziejka’s actions included:
Kicking toddlers in the lower back while they watched television
Standing on the children’s hands as punishment
Dragging sleeping children by their arms
Forcing their heads down to prevent them from watching TV
The former day care owner, Melanie Dawn Law, said the behavior had been occurring for months. She fired Guziejka immediately after confirming the footage in late October.
Parents and Prosecutors React
Guziejka received the maximum sentence allowed for her charge. While parents expressed relief at the outcome, many said the punishment felt too light given the number of assaults and the vulnerability of the victims.
Prosecutor Vance acknowledged their frustration, noting that although the physical injuries were limited to bruising, the psychological effects could last for years.
Defense attorneys cited Guziejka’s low IQ and limited cognitive functioning as factors in her behavior, though the court ultimately held her fully responsible for her actions.
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