COLORADO SPRINGS (Colo.) — Colorado daycare owner was convicted of hiding 26 children in her basement two years ago. Parents claimed that some of the children had suffered trauma, including anxiety and sleeping difficulties.
After Carla Faith’s August conviction of more than 20 misdemeanor child abuse charges, a judge sentenced her on Thursday
Faith was not licensed to care for six children in her Colorado Springs private daycare. Only two of the children were under 2.
Police went to Mountain Play Place in November 2019 to investigate reports that there were more children than permitted. They found 25 children in the basement. Twelve of them were under 2, according to prosecutors.
Two adult employees were supervising the children in the basement. Valerie Fresquez accepted a plea bargain and testified at Faith’s trial. Authorities said that the 26th child, who was in the basement, was taken by a parent during police presence at the daycare.
According to an arrest affidavit, many of the children had wet or soiled diapers and were thirsty.
Faith told police that she was not a parent and that there were no basements in the house. However, an officer heard music from children and a cry from the basement.
According to the affidavit, another officer found a fake wall and removed it to expose the basement staircase.
Parents and relatives of the children filled the courtroom on Thursday to tell Faith that their children had suffered trauma while at day care. KOAA-TV reported.
Kim Marshall, a parent, stated that her children continue to receive counseling.
She said, “We sleep with the lights on in this house.” “My children are anxious. They fear the world.
Josh Tolini, Faith’s lawyer, stated that she struggled to say “no” when parents wanted their children to be in her day care. The situation escalated.
Tolini stated that she made “incredibly poor decisions about what to do”
Faith was found guilty of 26 counts including misdemeanor child abuse, trying to influence a public official and obstruction of a peace officer.
KRDO-TV reported Fresquez would be freed if she takes certain steps.
Christina Swauger, a day care worker, was convicted of the same offenses as Faith and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Howard Black, spokesperson for Colorado’s 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, stated that an arrest warrant was issued for another day care worker who failed to appear in court.
