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Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — A former daycare staff worker in Lockhart is set to be sentenced by a Caldwell County judge this week. This comes after the daycare’s director received five years probation. In 2022, the Children’s Center of Lockhart was at the center of a sexual assault investigation involving a 3-year-old.
Amber and Karston Chatelain said they found out their 3-year-old daughter was assaulted at the center. They said a Texas Department of Family Protective Services investigator notified them about the investigation.
Law enforcement arrested four people, including a 13-year-old male for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Three adults were also arrested.
Daycare director Connie Mendoza was charged with tampering with a witness, obstruction and failure to make a child abuse report with intent to conceal. Daycare staff worker Cristine Amaya was charged with failure to make a child abuse report with intent to conceal.
Daycare owner Rafael Santa Maria was charged with tampering a witness.
The Caldwell County District Attorney said Santa Maria was not indicted due to “insufficient evidence.” Mendoza was sentenced to five years deferred adjudication.
Amaya pleaded guilty and chose to have the judge determine punishment on March 27.
The Children’s Center of Lockhart lost its license in 2023. A different child care facility now stands in its place.
But the Chatelains said the pain of what happened years ago still lives on for them.
“Three years later, you’re still having to go to court, or get therapy. So it’s not just it happens and then it’s over with.”
Amber Chatelain, mother
They said they want to take this negative experience and advocate for positive change across all child care facilities. It’s why they started the Texas Childcare Safety Coalition.
“We’re trying to introduce a bill, or even amend the ones that are there,” Amber said. “We’re just kind of really needing someone to help us write it.”
Amber said they want to focus on things like requiring mandatory video monitoring systems for parents at all child care facilities.
Along with pushing for statewide change, Karston said they also want to create a safe space for families who have been in a similar situation.
“Just to have a safe place to come and talk, because it’s a very, it’s a very lonely feeling,” Karston said. “Because a lot of people don’t talk about it, that have been through it.”
