A former Las Cruces pre-K teacher is behind bars after classroom surveillance video allegedly showed her repeatedly mistreating a young child, according to local police. The woman, identified by investigators as Jennifer Hernandez, is accused of intentional physical abuse involving a boy under the age of 10 inside her classroom.
Hernandez faces seven counts of intentional child abuse and was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on March 4. Authorities say the case grew out of footage from inside a local day care where she worked, which kicked off a full-blown criminal investigation.
According to KTSM, the Las Cruces Police Department arrested Hernandez on March 4 and charged her with seven counts of intentional child abuse, each classified as a third-degree felony. She was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center and will initially be held without bond, the outlet reports.
Where It Happened
Police say the alleged abuse occurred at Discovery Child Development Center’s Del Rey location at 3300 Del Rey Center in Las Cruces. The center’s website lists that address and describes preschool and New Mexico Pre-K programs offered at the site, according to Discovery Child Development Centers.
What Police Say
Investigators report that they obtained surveillance video from the Del Rey center that appears to show several incidents of physical abuse involving a boy under the age of 10. Some of those alleged incidents seem to have occurred on Dec. 9, 2025, according to police.
Officers told KTSM that the alleged behavior did not cause great bodily harm. The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office opened the initial inquiry after the child's parents reached out in late February, then referred the case to Las Cruces detectives for further investigation.
Investigation And Response
Las Cruces police say the ownership and management of Discovery Child Development Center have been cooperating with investigators, providing access to surveillance video and other potential evidence. Detectives are still reviewing the material as part of an active investigation.
The Las Cruces Police Department has asked anyone with additional information to contact detectives as they work to determine whether there were any other incidents or potential victims.
Legal Note
The charges filed against Hernandez are third-degree felonies under New Mexico law. The state's sentencing code sets a basic term of three years for a third-degree felony, although the actual sentence can vary depending on the specific offense and any aggravating circumstances. For more detail on basic felony terms and fines, see New Mexico criminal sentencing statutes, according to Justia.
Hernandez remains in custody at the Doña Ana County Detention Center as the case moves through the legal process. The Las Cruces Police Department says the investigation is ongoing and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
