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Meghan Hornidge, 19, of River Edge, was charged with fourth-degree abuse of a child and simple assault, stemming from an investigation conducted by the Special Victims Unit, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said.
The investigation began on Aug. 13, 2024, when the Prosecutor’s Office received a report that Hornidge had reportedly slammed and dragged the toddler on Aug. 12, causing bodily injury, authorities said. Hornidge was subsequently charged via complaint summons.
Andrea Vargas, the Chief Executive Officer of Apple Montessori Schools, released the following statement:
We are aware of and have been cooperating with this investigation from day one. We terminated the teacher in question immediately in August and promptly notified parents as well as state authorities. We maintain rigorous hiring standards and checks for our employees, and the safety of the children in our care continues to be our top priority.
If convicted, Hornidge faces up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison for Fourth Degree Abuse of a Child, and up to 60 days in county jail for Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense. Prosecutors have referred the case to a Grand Jury.
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