Brooklyn, NY — A mother in Brooklyn was arraigned in criminal court Thursday after authorities detained her over allegations that she physically punished her 9-year-old son upon discovering he planned to rob a local store. Tsahay Nurse, 37, a pediatric nurse, faces felony assault charges following her son’s attempt to flee the family home, leading to his discovery at a McDonald’s in Flatbush, detailed in the criminal complaint.
Samuel Getz, Nurse’s defense attorney, stated during the arraignment that Nurse confronted her son after several parents informed her of his involvement in the mugging of another child. The situation escalated upon her finding evidence on his phone of a planned robbery, involving discussions to wear a ski mask and rob a corner store. Getz argued, “She was acting as a concerned, responsible mother fearing for her child’s life in potentially dangerous criminal activities.”
According to police reports, the boy revealed that the confrontation with his mother turned violent, alleging she struck him with an extension cord, punched him in the chest, and then forcibly subdued him. Police confirmed observing lacerations and redness on the boy’s arm and noted that he complained of neck pain.
Following the incident, the boy was taken to University Hospital at Downstate for medical observation accompanied by his father, indicating the severity of his physical condition.
In light of the allegations, Judge Jacob Zelmanovitz ordered Nurse’s release without bail but issued a full order of protection barring her from contacting her son. This measure remains in effect unless modified by a family court judge. The boy is currently under the care of other relatives, as arranged by Getz.
Jennifer Braithwaite, the child’s great-aunt, expressed her perspective to reporters, noting, “She’s a single mother who is disciplining her kids because he did something that he wasn’t supposed to do.”
Getz emphasized Nurse’s innocence, remarking outside the courthouse, “She didn’t commit any crime. She was just being a good parent.” He further speculated that the police might not have fully considered all nuances of the situation, suggesting an overcaution may have led to her arrest.
As this case continues, it raises complex questions about the boundaries of parental discipline, the interventions of law enforcement in family matters, and the implications of children’s involvement in criminal plans. It also highlights the challenges single parents face in disciplining their children while navigating societal expectations and legal boundaries.
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