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PROVO — An Orem woman accused of repeatedly biting a 14-month-old girl she was watching and possibly using a cigarette to injure her was formally charged Friday.
Sally Lacayo, 47, of Orem, was charged in 4th District Court with child abuse, a second-degree felony.
Investigators say Lacayo caused more than 40 individual injuries over a three-day period to a young girl left in her care.
On Feb. 19, Orem police were called to conduct a welfare check on Lacayo and the child after family members were unable to contact them, according to charging documents.
“When the victim’s uncle arrived to check on them he observed that the house was in disarray, the defendant appeared to be high and incoherent and the child had numerous injuries. The child had several adult-sized bite marks, nails that had been cut so short that they were bleeding and other injuries, including 18 bite marks on her face, arms, legs and back and 26 bruises on her face, leg, buttocks and genital area,” the charges state.
Paramedics who respond to the residence also observed “a possible burn mark from a cigarette” during their initial assessment, according to a police affidavit.
When interviewed by detectives, Lacayo admitted becoming upset with the child and injuring her, according to a police affidavit.
The results of a blood test to determine what substances Lacayo may have been under the influence of at the time were pending as of Friday.
A GoFundMe* has been set up by the 14-month-old's family to cover medical costs. To donate click here.
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