OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An Ocala woman has been arrested on eight felony counts of cruelty toward a child following a months-long investigation into alleged abuse at a local daycare.
Karla Loenie Gonzalez-Penaluerty, 33, was arrested July 14 by the Ocala Police Department (OPD) and transported to the Marion County Jail. She is an employee at All Stars Learning Academy, where she has worked since July 2024.
The reported incidents of abuse occurred between March and July 2025 and involved children ranging in age from 4 to 9 months old.
Several disturbing forms of mistreatment were alleged, including rough handling, forced feeding, violent shaking, and near-suffocation. One incident was captured on video by a fellow employee and showed Gonzalez-Penaluerty mistreating an infant, which authorities say corroborates the abuse claims.
Police said these incidents were reported internally, but appropriate action was not taken by supervisors at the time.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been notified and will require remedial training for the daycare’s staff in response to the allegations.
All Stars Learning Academy, located at 2441 W. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, offers a variety of childcare programs including infant care, toddler and preschool programs, after-school care, drop-in daycare, and summer camp. The center’s stated mission is to “be safe, be kind and let’s grow together,” according to its website.
352today reached out to All Stars Learning Academy for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
In addition to the felony charges, Gonzalez-Penaluerty was also charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence. Her bond was set at $20,500. She was released from jail on the morning of July 16.
The investigation remains ongoing.
OPD asks that anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed related incidents is strongly encouraged to come forward, adding “these babies are too young to speak for themselves, and your voice is essential in protecting them.”
To report concerns or provide information, call OPD at 352-369-7000.