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MARYLAND DAYCARE PROVIDER SENTENCED TO 55 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE
Wicomico County, MD - A 55-year sentence has been handed down to a daycare provider who was found guilty of child abuse and assault. The Honorable S. James Sarbanes, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, sentenced Nicole Bochenek to fifty-five (55) years of incarceration on May 24, 2024.
Bochenek, a resident of Mardela Springs, Maryland, had pleaded guilty to First Degree Child Abuse, First Degree Assault, and two counts of Second Degree Child Abuse. Sentencing was deferred until the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.
The severe nature of Bochenek's crimes came to light following an investigation into her unlicensed daycare operation. Bochenek had been caring for several children in her home when a 9-month-old infant under her care was found unresponsive and not breathing.
The severity of the child's injuries, which included multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, spinal fractures, and other bone fractures, pointed to abusive blunt force trauma and non-accidental trauma.
Further investigation revealed Bochenek's abusive actions were not isolated. Another child in her care showed signs of physical abuse. Bochenek confessed to detectives that she had shaken the infant to quiet the baby's cries and had caused harm to other children in her care.
In total, Bochenek was found to have abused three children, all under the age of 5 years.
Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes stated, "These young children were helpless to protect themselves against the horrific abuse suffered at the hands of Bochenek. I am grateful for the lifesaving efforts of EMS personnel, the steadfast investigation by law enforcement and child protective services, and the Court's strong sentence."
SA Dykes expressed gratitude for all individuals involved in bringing Bochenek to justice, including Detective M. Rockwell, Child Protective Services, members of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center, and the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company who cared for the infant victim.
Bochenek, a resident of Mardela Springs, Maryland, had pleaded guilty to First Degree Child Abuse, First Degree Assault, and two counts of Second Degree Child Abuse. Sentencing was deferred until the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.
The severe nature of Bochenek's crimes came to light following an investigation into her unlicensed daycare operation. Bochenek had been caring for several children in her home when a 9-month-old infant under her care was found unresponsive and not breathing.
The severity of the child's injuries, which included multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, spinal fractures, and other bone fractures, pointed to abusive blunt force trauma and non-accidental trauma.
Further investigation revealed Bochenek's abusive actions were not isolated. Another child in her care showed signs of physical abuse. Bochenek confessed to detectives that she had shaken the infant to quiet the baby's cries and had caused harm to other children in her care.
In total, Bochenek was found to have abused three children, all under the age of 5 years.
Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes stated, "These young children were helpless to protect themselves against the horrific abuse suffered at the hands of Bochenek. I am grateful for the lifesaving efforts of EMS personnel, the steadfast investigation by law enforcement and child protective services, and the Court's strong sentence."
SA Dykes expressed gratitude for all individuals involved in bringing Bochenek to justice, including Detective M. Rockwell, Child Protective Services, members of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center, and the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company who cared for the infant victim.
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