The former Lyons daycare worker arrested and charged in December for cruelty to children has had three more charges added as the investigation into the alleged activity continues.

Nicole Kathleen Cabrera, age 21, was originally arrested on December 27, 2023, following an investigation that began in November. At that time, she was working at Step-by-Step Childcare and Learning Center and tasked with caring for infants. Police began investigating her after some parents reported finding scratches, abrasions, and bumps on the heads of their babies who were all under the age of one year. Cabrera was charged with 9 felony counts of cruelty to children, and 1 misdemeanor count of battery.

After her initial arrest, Cabrera paid her bail and was released from jail.

On January 29, she was rearrested and charged with an additional three counts of aggravated battery.

According to Lyons Chief of Police Wesley Walker, the added charges are based on extensive newly released medical findings on three of the original alleged 9 victims.

Chief Walker also noted that Cabrera is currently seven months pregnant and because of her condition, she has again been released from the custody of the Toombs County Detention Center and has been placed on house arrest. In addition to not being able to leave her home in Collins where she was arrested in December, she must wear an ankle monitor at all times.

Cabrera was terminated from the daycare when the allegations were reported to the management by parents and the investigation first began by the Lyons Police Department.  Chief Walker says the business has been very cooperative and assisted law enforcement throughout the investigation.