BUSHKILL -- A babysitter and mother of two faces serious child abuse charges in the Poconos. Investigators say the 2-year-old boy she cared for barely survived.
Erica Duchemin, 29, of Bushkill, a babysitter and mother of two, allegedly beat the 2-year-old boy in her home.
This investigation began when that 2-year-old boy was rushed to Pocono Medical Center in February.
Court papers show he was vomiting and turning gray and his lips were blue.
Experts believe Erica Duchemin, the boy's babysitter, is to blame.
A quiet home tucked away in the Bushkill area of Pike County is where investigators say the 2-year-old boy suffered serious child abuse.
Duchemin babysat the toddler three times a week.
In December of 2015, the toddler had a broken arm. Doctors reported the incident as possible child abuse.
Investigators say Pike county Children and Youth dismissed the case before reviewing key medical records.
"It's very probable that something could have been done sooner, yes," said Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin.
In February, court paperwork reveals Duchemin was in her basement with the boy she was babysitting, and her own two daughters, ages 2 and 4, doing the chicken dance. All of a sudden, the victim started vomiting.
Duchemin rushed the 2 year old to Pocono Medical Center.
Nearly a dozen bruises were found all over his body.
Doctors say the boy's injuries came from, 'direct blunt force trauma to the abdomen, from adult force and would have been immediately symptomatic.'
According to court papers, she met the boy's mother online through a facebook Group called "Moms helping Moms."
Neighbor Frank Balzno says the abuse allegations seem outrageous.
"Nice people, nice family, nice kids, very well behaved. I have nothing but good things to say about them," Balzo said.
"He probably did have a problem when he did get here, his stomach aches or something like that. She probably saved his life by rushing him to the hospital,"he added.
Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin says Duchemin is the first person to be charged with obstruction in a child abuse case in the county, allegedly lying about getting the child medical help.
"It turned out they were not, indeed, a medical professional and the defendant had originally met that individual while they were incarcerated in New Jersey," Tonkin explained.
Duchemin assaulted her mother in New Jersey in 2009 and served time.
Neighbors say these latest allegations don't add up.
"I was devastated," said Balzo. "I can't believe it and I still don't believe it, the charges."
Duchemin remains locked up in Pike County on $100,000 bail. She's scheduled to be in court for a preliminary hearing later this month.
