Nurse arrested after surveillance allegedly shows abuse of 5-year-old with special needs

Suffolk County Police arrested nurse Bruno Valenzuela after surveillance footage reportedly showed him slapping a 5-year-old child with cerebral palsy; he was charged, pleaded not guilty at arraignment, and released under non-monetary conditions.

Suffolk County Police announced the arrest of nurse Bruno Valenzuela after surveillance footage reportedly showed him slapping a 5-year-old child with cerebral palsy at a Port Jefferson residence. The family discovered the footage after noting bruises and changes in the child’s behavior and filed a police report in late December. Valenzuela was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and endangering the welfare of a child. An arraignment was held where he pleaded not guilty and he was released under non-monetary conditions. Known details: - The alleged incident occurred on Dec. 20, 2025, while the child was at home under the nurse’s care. - The child is reported to be 5 years old and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. - Authorities arrested Bruno Valenzuela; charges include a class E felony for endangering a disabled person and a separate child welfare charge. - Valenzuela is no longer employed by the Christian Nursing Registry and had worked with the family for several years, according to reporting. - Detectives with the Special Victims Unit investigated the case and asked anyone with related concerns to contact the Special Victims Section. Summary: The case has resulted in criminal charges and an active investigation, with the defendant having pleaded not guilty at arraignment and released under non-monetary conditions. Undetermined at this time.