A caregiver of three young children in Osceola County was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 29 after deputies said she used an electric device on the children.
Letina Smith, 41, appeared before a judge Friday afternoon for an unrelated charge of probation violation involving a bad check.
According to the arrest report, one of the children Smith was taking care of misbehaved in school. The student begged the teacher to not call the child’s house because Smith would punish the children with the stun gun.
Three children – ages 7, 8, and 9 – told officers their was an “electric chair” at the home where Smith would make the child lean against a wall as if they were sitting on an invisible chair. One child said it could be an hour or more of “sitting” and if they spoke or moved, they’d be shocked with the device.
Investigators spoke with Smith, who admitted to having the device and coming close to the children with it, but never actually shocking them. No visible injuries were found on the children.
The pink stun gun was found in a bag and a spokeswoman with the Kissimmee Police Department said they can be found at garage sales and flea markets.
Neighbors in the Kissimmee area where Smith lives said they’re surprised by the allegations.
“That’s horrible. I didn’t even know that happened around here. I didn’t even know – I had no idea,” said Alexandra Cully, who lives nearby.
Smith’s bond was set for $3,000.