A former pre-K teacher in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been arrested after surveillance video allegedly captured her physically abusing a young child at the Discovery Development Center. Jennifer Hernandez, 27, faces seven counts of intentional child abuse, all third-degree felonies, following an investigation that began when parents reported suspected abuse to authorities.

Police obtained surveillance footage from the daycare where Hernandez taught, showing multiple instances of alleged abuse against a boy under 10 years old. The video reportedly captured Hernandez striking the child with a chair's metal legs, slapping him repeatedly in the face and mouth, and hitting him with a pointer. All incidents allegedly occurred on December 9, 2025, during daycare hours. While the abuse did not cause great bodily harm, the footage prompted immediate action from law enforcement.

Hernandez was taken to the Doña Ana County Detention Center and is being held without bond. The daycare's management has cooperated fully with investigators, who are examining all available evidence. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues. The case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety in daycare settings and the critical role surveillance systems play in protecting vulnerable children.