KATY, Texas — We've learned about disturbing allegations at a Katy facility that specializes in therapy for children with autism. A behavioral tech at BrightPath Behavior is facing an injury to a child charge, accused of physically abusing a 5-year-old patient.
The suspect in this case is accused of violently throwing the 5-year-old child into a bookcase. That little girl ended up in the hospital.
Tuesday evening, Cierra Marshall-Williams faced a judge for the first time. Up until last week, she worked as a behavioral technician at BrightPath in Katy.
Court documents detail how the victim's mother first received a text from the facility saying her daughter had "tried to escape" the therapy center and "bumped her nose."
The therapy center followed up letting the parents know their daughter's nose was turning purple. The parents drove the child to the hospital with a broken nose.
The injuries are so serious that she may need surgery, according to court documents.
Later that same night, prosecutors say BrightPath Behavior's manager and vice president called the family again to tell them that the suspect had lied to them about what happened. They had reviewed surveillance footage that showed Marshall-Williams violently throwing the child in a bookcase and breaking her nose.
The victim's family told KHOU 11 that they have seen the violent video and are working to secure a copy for themselves through their attorney.
BrightPath released the following statement on Wednesday.
“The well-being and safety of our clients and employees is our top priority. Our leadership reported the matter to the proper authorities and have already taken swift action to terminate the individual involved. We continue to fully support the investigation.”
Marshall-Williams is out on a $5,000 bond.