West Melbourne Police Charge Daycare Employee With Striking Multiple Children
By Space Coast Daily // June 3, 2026
Daycare employee Latasha Deniese Mullings facing criminal charges after surveillance video allegedly showed her striking several young children
BREVARD COUNTY • WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — A daycare employee at a West Melbourne childcare center is facing criminal charges after surveillance video allegedly showed her striking several young children in her care, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
The investigation began on May 27 after administrators at Mustard Seed Kids, a childcare facility located on Eber Boulevard, contacted both the Florida Department of Children and Families and the West Melbourne Police Department regarding allegations of child abuse.
According to a West Melbourne Police spokesperson, the allegations surfaced after a parent reported that teacher Latasha Deniese Mullings had flicked a child in the face.
The complaint prompted daycare director Kaitlin Fletcher to review classroom surveillance footage.
During that review, Fletcher allegedly observed multiple incidents involving Mullings and several children in the classroom.
According to police, the video appeared to show Mullings striking children on various parts of their bodies, including their faces and heads.
The West Melbourne Police launched an investigation and reviewed the surveillance footage as part of their inquiry.
Detectives determined there was probable cause to charge Mullings in connection with the incidents captured on video.
West Melbourne police said Mullings was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple counts related to child abuse.
Additional details regarding the specific number of charges and the ages of the children involved were not released.
West Melbourne police continue to work with the Department of Children and Families as the case progresses, and anyone with additional information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the West Melbourne Police Department.
“Any allegation involving the abuse of a child is deeply concerning and is treated with the utmost seriousness by the West Melbourne Police Department,” said West Melbourne Police Chief Michelle DiGiorgio
“The actions uncovered during this investigation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community. Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and any act of violence or mistreatment against them will not be taken lightly.
