Michigan Babysitter Charged with 47 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse: Police Investigation Unveils Disturbing Allegations

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A babysitter from Michigan, aged 63, stands accused of committing sexual abuse against children she was entrusted to care for, according to law enforcement officials.

Gaila Bennett, a resident of Midland, Michigan, located approximately 120 miles northwest of Detroit, faced arraignment on Monday. She has been charged with 47 counts of criminal sexual misconduct following accusations from a family who claim their children were abused while under her supervision from 2013 to 2020, as reported by the Michigan State Police.

The charges against Bennett are severe, including 24 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child under the age of 13, 12 counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13, and 11 counts of assault with the intent to commit sexual penetration. These details were covered in a report by the Midland Daily News.

Gaila Bennett, 63, of Midland, Michigan, was arraigned Monday on 47 counts of criminal sexual misconduct

The alleged incidents of abuse reportedly occurred at Bennett’s residence on Prairie Road in Midland County. The investigation into these claims was initiated earlier this month after a family from Bay County reached out to the authorities with their concerns.

Michigan State Police said the alleged abuse took place at Bennett’s home on Prairie Road in Midland County. The investigation began earlier this month after a Bay County family contacted authorities.

One victim told investigators she was sexually assaulted nearly every day since kindergarten while Bennett was babysitting. Investigators also allege Bennett took photos of the abuse, according to the Midland Daily News.

Prarie Road in Midland County, Mich., where police said the alleged abuse took place at Bennett’s home. (Google Maps)

Bennett was arrested Oct. 17, and police seized several electronic devices from her home to be examined for evidence.

“This incident remains under investigation, and more charges may be sought,” Michigan State Police said.

Police units responds to the scene of an emergency.

Bennett was arrested Oct. 17, and police seized several electronic devices from her home that are being examined for evidence. (Getty Images)

Bennett is being held on $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 4, CBS News reported.

Michigan State Police and the Midland County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.