MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A Macomb County jury convicted 31-year-old Samantha Franz, a childcare worker from St. Clair Shores, on Friday, Nov. 14, after video showed her violently mistreating a 10-month-old in her care.
The jury convicted Franz of second-degree and fourth-degree child abuse charges.
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Franz was employed as a childcare provider when she subjected the 10-month-old to abusive treatment.
The case came to light when a co-worker reported seeing Franz handle the child with excessive force, prompting an investigation.
Video from the childcare facility revealed repeated aggressive and abusive behavior toward the 10-month-old.
The recordings showed Franz swinging the baby, carrying her by the arms, and dropping her into her crib.
On several occasions, she forcefully shoved a pacifier into the child’s mouth.
“It is truly unimaginable that anyone would inflict harm on a defenseless infant,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido. “This case has been a painful reminder of the profound responsibility we all share to protect the most vulnerable among us. I extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the jury for their careful attention, their commitment to the facts, and their faithful adherence to the law in reaching a just verdict in this matter.”
Franz is scheduled to be sentenced in Macomb County Circuit Court on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.