Disturbing 'toe-in-mouth' photo prompts day care investigation

GAFFNEY, S.C. -- A disturbing photo that surfaced on social media has led to a police and social services investigation of a day care operation in Gaffney, S.C.

The photo shows what investigators say is a 15-year-old girl jamming her toe in a baby’s mouth, FOX 8 in North Carolina reported.

The photo was taken at a home in Gaffney, where the child was being cared for, police tell WSPA. The picture quickly circulated on social media accounts, grabbing the attention of parents who say they drop their children off at the home.

People in the neighborhood said the homeowner ran the day care, but DSS told WSPA that it was not licensed as one.

Police said the 15-year-old is not related to the baby in the photo. She isn't facing any charges, but neighbors want something done.

"Somebody should be apologizing and there should be something done about it," said Bridgette Dawkins, who's is friends with the mother of the baby in the photo. "It don't need to be pushed under the rug; she needs to be punished."