BKS1 Radio Network

HIRAM, Ga. -- Two weeks ago, April Nations went to pick up her young son from the Greenfield Academy daycare in Paulding County.

He seemed excited about making new friends. But something, she said, wasn't quite right.

"And I got to looking, and that's when I noticed the bruises; and I asked him what happened," she recounted. "And the story that he told was just horrifying."

Nations took pictures, documenting the injuries to her son, which 11Alive News reviewed on her cell phone. Detectives asked her not to publish them or show them on TV because of the investigation.

The probe culminated Thursday with the arrest of one of the daycare workers, 47-year-old Angeles Westmoreland, who was jailed on $1,000 bond.

"The investigation has led them to believe that the visible marks that were received to the child were caused by a suspect, a teacher at the school," said Sgt. Brandon Gurley of the Paulding County Sheriff's Department. "That teacher has been arrested and has been charged with battery."

Nation's little boy is now at a different daycare.

He may have to testify if the case goes to court. His mom said the worst part is he thinks he's to blame.

"For me to try to console him and say 'Son, you don't have to worry about this. You don't ever have to go back there.' and then have my 5-year-old look at me and say, 'It's OK, Mommy. I'll be a good boy. I won't be bad next time. I won't be bad anymore.' -- it just breaks my heart."

Neither Westmoreland nor daycare officials could be reached for comment Thursday night.