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According to the newspaper, the incidents occurred at the Hacienda Del Sol shelter in Youngtown in mid-September and involved three children and many staff members.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office first told CNN that he had investigated the allegations and determined that the acts committed did not correspond to criminal charges.
But the office changed its mind and said in an updated statement issued on Sunday: "Based on the evidence gathered during this thorough investigation, the MCSO Executive Command made the decision to submit the case to the Maricopa County Prosecutor's Office for review and determination of criminal charges ".
Videos show staff members pushing and dragging children
Southwest Key shut down Hacienda Del Sol's facilities at the end of October after negotiations with authorities state health officials, who were considering revoking the 13 shelter licenses of Southwest Key in Arizona. 19659006] CNN had previously reported that the Arizona Department of Health Services had considered the move because Southwest Key had not provided the department with evidence that it was checking the background of the employees.
The videos were scrambled and edited by the state's Department of Health Services, which authorizes reception centers for migrants.
A clip published by the Arizona Republic shows a male employee dragging a young child into the room and pushing him against the wall. . There seems to be a confrontation between the two before the male staff member leaves the room.
Another video shows a female staff member taking a child into the room and attempting to enter another room.
The child is lying on the floor and the female staff member pulls her through the door while another staff member brings a different child into the conference room and the other person. leads into the next room.
Two staff members were fired, said a source
Southwest Key declined to comment on the case.
Spokesperson Jeff Eller told CNN that the company had self-declared to the Ministry of Health. Human Services, Refugee Resettlement Office (RRB) and local police at the time of the events.
After an internal investigation, two staff members were dismissed and additional disciplinary measures were taken. been taken against other staff, said a source with direct knowledge of how the incidents contained in the videos were handled.
The Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed to CNN that he had been informed of the incident in mid-September and that he had initiated an investigation and on the spot.
"At an informal conference on the settlement, both parties agreed terms of agreement, including the waiver of two licenses, as well as other provisions to ensure the health and safety of children placed under the protection of the SWK, "said the agency. in a statement Monday. "The site where these videos were filmed is no longer operational, due to the waiver of the license."
In October, Eller declared that Southwest Key "warmly welcomed the decision of the Refugee Resettlement Board to suspend its operations at Hacienda Del Sol and we are simultaneously engaging the Child Welfare Consulting Partnership to proceed with a independent review of our processes and procedures, as well as hiring and training in our Arizona shelters. "
A HHS spokesperson said the agency was putting Focus on the safety and best interests of every child.
"These are vulnerable children in difficult circumstances, and the ORR assumes with great care its custodial responsibility for each child". . "When allegations of abuse or neglect are made, they are taken seriously, are the subject of investigation and prompt action."
