Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a 53 year old New Castle woman after she allegedly assaulted a child at the Manor Group Home in Newark.

The preliminary investigation has determined on April 9, 2016 at approximately 1:39 p.m., a notification was received through the child abuse hotline about a 13 year old child which had been assaulted by a care giver at the Manor Group Home, owned by the Christina School District, located at 30 Glyn Drive, Newark.

On April, 8, 2016, Harrietta Kanda, 53 of New Castle, was observed striking a child, who is autistic and does not speak, in the back of the head several times with a closed fist. Detectives learned that during the incident Kanda requested the child to return back to the kitchen to clean up his area after dinner. Shortly after entering the kitchen the child was heard crying out and moments later he was heard a second time crying out. At this time a staff member immediately responded into the kitchen and found the child on the floor with Harrietta Kanda standing over top of him. Kanda had her hands on the front of his shirt collar lifting him up off of the floor. Kanda was then seen striking him several times in the back, neck and head area with a closed fist. The staff member, who immediately ran into the kitchen, stopped Kanda from striking the child again. After this incident Kanda and the victim were separated.

On April 11, 2016 at approximately 3:35 p.m., a school nurse completed an injury report at which time she observed injuries which included redness and bruising on victim’s right upper arm and scratches on the back of his neck.

After the Attorney General’s review of the investigation and conferring with the Department of Justice warrants were obtained on September 8, 2016 for Harrietta Kanda’s arrest. On September 13, 2016 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Harrietta Kanda responded to Troop 2 where she taken into custody and formally charged with Felony Child Abuse Second Degree – Recklessly or Intentionally Causing Physical Injury To A Child with Intellectual Disabilities and Endangering The Welfare Of A Child – Intentionally, Knowingly or Recklessly Act In Manner Likely To Injure a Child. Kanda was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $2000.00 unsecured bail with a no contact order with anyone under the age of 18. (mug shot attached)

Because of the sensitivity of this case and in consideration of the victim only limited information will be released.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective B. Harris at Troop 2 Glasgow at 302-365-8410. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 091316 1411

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