Mattoon Babysitter Arrested
Tuesday, 11 February 2020
The Department of Children and Family Services is investigating a Mattoon daycare.
Mattoon Police arrested 49-year-old Carmen Petak, after authorities say she shook a 7-month old baby on January 23rd.
Petak runs a daycare out of her home on Oak Avenue.
Authorities say Petak spent four years with the Illinois State Police before opening the daycare.
Mattoon Deputy Chief Sam Gaines says Petak is charged with aggravated battery of a child.
Gaines says the baby was taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, where doctors confirmed there was brain damage.
Gaines says Petak then admitted to shaking the baby.
The infant has since been released and deemed safe.
Now Petak is not allowed to have contact with anyone that's 18 or younger.
Petak is due in court for a hearing on the 20th, and her bond has been set for $25,000.
