Story by Ethan
On July 30th, 2025, the arrest of Evelyn Vargas, Latia Townes, and Shakia Henley, ages 47, 24, and 37, was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr.. Evelyn Vargas was charged with three counts of second-degree Assault, second-degree Strangulation, four counts of second-degree Attempted Assault, and nine counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Latia Townes was charged with three counts of second-degree Attempted Assault, and five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Shakie Henley was charged with four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest and charges against Evelyn Vargas, Latia Townes, and Shakia Henley were a result of an investigation handled by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Bureau.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, from September 2023 to February 20th, 2025, all three defendants have had numerous incidents of ongoing physical and emotional abuse against toddlers between the ages of 12 and 24 months. Evelyn Vargas allegedly has been involved in the following incidents of abuse against at least nine different victims; Placed packaging tape across a victim’s face from ear to ear covering her mouth, rendering her unable to breathe until it was ripped off leaving red marks. Dragged victims by their arms and hair to move them between rooms. Pushed, shoved, and struck victims on the ground while using a metal bottle as a weapon. Hit victims with cups that were thrown across the room. Force Fed two victims concentrated ginger shots. Stuffed tissue inside a victim’s mouth while they were crying. Physically restrained victims in chairs for long periods of time.
Latia Townes allegedly has been involved in the following incidents of abuse against at least five different victims; Pushed, shoved, and struck victims on the ground while using a metal bottle as a weapon. Physically retrained victims in chairs for long periods of time.
Shakie Henley allegedly has been involved in the following incidents of abuse against at least two different victims; Sprayed victims with cleaning supplies that included soap, bleach, and water. Physically restrained victims in chairs for long periods of time.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Evelyn Vargas, Townes, and Shakie Henley are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
