Michigan babysitter accused of sexually abusing children in her care faces 47 charges, police say
63-year-old Gaila Bennett allegedly photographed abuse of children
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A 63-year-old Michigan babysitter is accused of sexually abusing children in her care, police say.
Gaila Bennett of Midland, about 120 miles northwest of Detroit, was arraigned Monday on 47 counts of criminal sexual misconduct after a family alleged their children were abused while in her care between 2013 and 2020, Michigan State Police said.
The charges include 24 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child younger than 13, 12 counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child younger than 13 and 11 counts of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, the Midland Daily News reported.
Michigan State Police said the alleged abuse took place at Bennett’s home on Prairie Road in Midland County. The investigation began earlier this month after a Bay County family contacted authorities.
One victim told investigators she was sexually assaulted nearly every day since kindergarten while Bennett was babysitting. Investigators also allege Bennett took photos of the abuse, according to the Midland Daily News.
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— MSP Third District (@mspbayregion) October 21, 2025
Tri-City Post troopers were contacted earlier this month by a Bay County family to report the criminal sexual abuse of their minor children while in the care of a babysitter between 2013 and 2020. The abuse occurred at the babysitter's home on Prairie… pic.twitter.com/S78m4tLULv
Bennett was arrested Oct. 17, and police seized several electronic devices from her home to be examined for evidence.
"This incident remains under investigation, and more charges may be sought," Michigan State Police said.
Bennett is being held on $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 4, CBS News reported.
Michigan State Police and the Midland County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
