Hartly, DE – The Delaware State Police have announced the arrest of Kayla Manuszak, 24, from Dover, Delaware, on charges of child abuse stemming from incidents that occurred at Hartly Learning Academy. The arrest, made on Thursday, follows an investigation that began in December 2023, after allegations of physical abuse surfaced.
The investigation was initiated on December 6, 2023, when police were alerted by staff at the Hartly Learning Academy, located at 21 North Street, Hartly, Delaware, to potential abuse by Manuszak, who was employed at the facility at the time. Detectives uncovered evidence that Manuszak physically abused six infants, aged between five and fourteen months, over a period from November 30, 2023, to December 4, 2023.
All affected children have undergone medical evaluations and have received necessary medical attention following the discovery.
Upon securing a warrant, Manuszak surrendered to authorities at Troop 3 on February 8, 2024. She faces the following charges:
- 21 counts of Third Degree Child Abuse (Felony)
- 14 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Following her arraignment by Justice of the Peace Court 7, Manuszak was committed to Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution on a $119,000 cash bond. Detectives are now appealing to the public for assistance in identifying any additional victims related to this case.