CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stella Mack, who operates a child care business called “Mom’s Timeout” from her home in Steele Creek is charged with misdemeanor child abuse.
The mother of the 2-year-old girl at the center of the child abuse case spoke exclusively to Channel 9.
"I thought she was a reputable person and I trusted her,” said the woman who didn’t want to be identified. "She text messaged me and stated that she put the bruises on her and she didn't realize that she had beaten her that bad."
Channel 9 looked at that text message that uses the term "wet handed" to describe how the spanking unfolded. "Wet handed" is a disciplinary term.
The mother said she called police the next morning after her daughter's bruising became worse.
"This couldn't have been something just like a small spanking because she was bruised for four days,” the mother said.
This mother said she saw seven or eight children inside the home on a regular basis, from newborns to 4-year-olds.
Channel 9 learned that Mack's daycare isn't licensed by the state, meaning she can't legally care for that many children.
The agency that regulates daycare centers in North Carolina sent Channel 9 this statement in an email: "State investigators are aware of the allegations and are considering next steps.”
Channel 9 went to Mack's home where the alleged abuse took place, and saw at least two other children there.
Mack didn’t answer any questions and said she needed her attorney present.
"I just want to help not only my child, but other parents so they're not put in a situation where they have to go through what me and my child went through,” the mother said.
Mack is out of jail on a $2,500 bond. Her next court appearance is Dec. 8.
According to North Carolina regulations, home daycares must be licensed with the state if a person is caring for more than two children.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Deadly 4-car crash shuts down I-485 outer loop for hours
- Tornado that slammed Hickory airport was EF2, NWS says
- Man accused of strangling pregnant girlfriend to death will face judge
- WATCH: Vicki Graf's Thursday forecast outlook
- NWS: EF1 tornado was on the ground for 12 miles across 3 counties
- VIDEO: Frustrated Newton abruptly walks out of press conference