Two local child care workers were arrested by Ocala police after allegedly standing by and watching a boy get attacked by a girl under their supervision.

On Tuesday, October 1, the Ocala Police Department received a report that during the previous day, a young girl had attacked a young boy at Kids Central, Inc. (3300 SW 34th Avenue) while two employees – identified as 37-year-old Brandy Nichole Richardson and 31-year-old Stephanie Galarza – were present.

 

Brandy Nichole Richardson (left) and Stephanie Galarza (right)
Brandy Nichole Richardson (left) and Stephanie Galarza (right)

According to OPD, a detective launched an investigation into the conduct of Richardson and Galarza, and video surveillance footage was soon obtained. This footage, which was released by the police department, shows that both staff members “were present but failed to adequately intervene as the young (girl) repeatedly attacked the (boy).”

After witnessing the altercation between the two children, OPD stated that Richardson and Galarza allowed the girl to continue her assault on the boy. Following the police department’s investigation, probable cause was established for the arrest of both employees.

On Tuesday, October 22, Richardson was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail. She was released the following day after posting a $15,000 bond.

Galarza was arrested and taken to Marion County Jail on Wednesday, October 23. Two days later, she was also released from the facility after posting a $15,000 bond.

Richardson and Galarza are both being charged with neglecting a child without great bodily harm. Jail records show that they are scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26.

Formed in 2003, Kids Central, Inc. is the lead nonprofit agency charged by the State of Florida to treat and prevent child abuse in Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, and Sumter counties, according to the organization’s website.