A Brentwood man was indicted for allegedly repeatedly and forcefully slapping the chest of a five-year-old child with disabilities who was in his care.
Bruno Valenzuela worked as a home health aide for the five-year-old victim, who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developmental delays. The victim is nonverbal, non-ambulatory, and requires 24-hour care and supervision. On December 22, 2025, the child’s father returned to his Port Jefferson Station home after work and assumed care of the victim. While changing him, the father noticed red marks and bruises on the child’s chest and arms. The family has cameras set up in the child’s room to help monitor him.
After reviewing the camera footage, the father saw that, earlier that day, while Valenzuela was changing the victim’s diaper and when the victim began to cry, Valenzuela allegedly began slapping him with full force in the chest, telling the child to “chill the [expletive] out.” This allegedly occurred multiple times, which caused him to cry even louder. When the child did not calm down, Valenzuela allegedly picked him up and squeezed him against his chest, saying, “Are you gonna calm down?” While holding the child, Valenzuela allegedly shook and then repeatedly tossed him in the air.
On February 5, 2026, Valenzuela, 34, was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent/Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree, a Class E felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.
Pilewski ordered Valenzuela to be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set, bail. Valenzuela is due back in court on March 5, 2026.
“The conduct alleged in this indictment is horrific and intolerable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “This defendant allegedly abused a young child with disabilities while entrusted as an in-home health aide, a betrayal that demands accountability. My office will act decisively to protect vulnerable children and ensure justice is served.”