A Macomb County jury has convicted 31-year-old Samantha Franz of St. Clair Shores on child abuse charges after disturbing video footage showed her aggressively handling a ten-month-old infant under her care.
On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, jurors found Franz guilty of Child Abuse Second-Degree, a ten-year felony, and Child Abuse Fourth-Degree, a one-year misdemeanor. The three-day trial was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Heath.
Franz is set to be sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Michael E. Servitto in Macomb County Circuit Court.
According to prosecutors, Franz was employed as a childcare provider when a co-worker reported seeing her use excessive force on the crying infant. The facility reviewed surveillance footage that showed Franz swinging the baby, carrying her by the arms, dropping her into a crib, and repeatedly shoving a pacifier into the child’s mouth.
“It is truly unimaginable that anyone would inflict harm on a defenseless infant. This case has been a painful reminder 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,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
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