A St. Paul daycare worker is facing a criminal charge after video allegedly showed him walking up to a 4-year-old boy and striking the child in the face, leaving bruises his mother later spotted. Police say the man was arrested on a warrant and brought to Ramsey County court, where he appeared before a judge and was released after his initial hearing. The case is still very much alive, with investigators and prosecutors reviewing the complaint and video evidence.
Allegations and arrest
According to Twin Cities Pioneer Press, a criminal complaint states that a daycare employee was captured on video "casually approaching and repeatedly smacking" a 4-year-old boy in the face. The incident allegedly left visible bruises that the child’s mother noticed. The complaint and police reports identify the worker as 29-year-old Aaron Jacob Bonnette and state he was arrested on a warrant on July 1, 2026. The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has charged him with malicious punishment of a child. The child’s family reported the injuries to police, and investigators say they are reviewing the footage and interviewing witnesses.
Licensing history and inspections
State licensing records indicate the New Horizon Academy site at the center of the complaint has been in operation for decades. The Minnesota Department of Human Services licensing lookup lists the Highwood Hills location with an initial effective date in October 1989. The DHS record for that site also notes a licensing review and investigation in early May 2026 that cited issues tied to staffing and staff qualifications. The licensing page shows multiple prior reviews and investigations at the same site over several years, highlighting a lengthy inspection history.
Center response and police asks
New Horizon Academy told reporters that the employee "grossly violated safety standards," adding that he was removed from the center and has since been fired, according to published reporting. St. Paul police say the department has an open investigation, and Ramsey County investigators are asking anyone with information or footage to contact the Saint Paul Police Department Sex Crimes/Child Abuse unit at (651) 266-5685. Officials say tips and any video evidence could help confirm timelines and identify additional witnesses.
Legal implications
The charge of malicious punishment of a child is defined in Minnesota law and can be treated as a gross misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the child’s age and the extent of the injury. Minnesota statute Minnesota Statutes outlines the elements of the offense and the range of penalties, which can include fines and jail time in more serious cases. A criminal charge is an allegation, and the outcome will ultimately be decided in court after prosecutors and defense attorneys present their evidence.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have relevant video or information to preserve it and contact law enforcement. This story will be updated as additional court filings or official statements are released.
