Former Berlin childcare employee formally indicted on child abuse charges

BERLIN, Md. – A Worcester County caretaker accused of abusing an infant in her care has been formally indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury.

In early November 2023, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services launched an investigation into the abuse of an eight-month-old infant being cared for at the Berlin Education Station Childcare Center. Video surveillance footage showed an employee, identified as Heather Ward, intentionally causing injuries to the child and other concerning interactions with several other children under her care.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office presented the case to the Grand Jury, and Ward was formally indicted on 90 criminal violations, including 10 felony charges of child abuse. All charges pertain to a total of 9 children who were under her care and supervision at the childcare center.