Location: Dunwoody, Ga.
Source: Fox 5
Amanda Hickey, the former owner of Little Lovey daycare center in Dunwoody, Georgia, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following the passing of a 4-month-old infant, Charlie Cronmiller, and the discovery of abuse against other children under her care.
The sentencing comes after Hickey pleaded guilty to a range of charges including cruelty to children, reckless conduct, and simple battery.
The tragic incident unfolded on February 3, 2021, when Amanda Hickey placed Charlie Cronmiller down for a nap at her daycare center, as per reports.
Despite claiming she followed proper procedures by laying him on his back, surveillance footage revealed a different story.
Hickey had placed the infant face down in a Pack ‘n Play, going against recommended safe sleeping practices.
Charlie was left unattended for over two hours before being discovered unresponsive.
Following the investigation into Charlie’s death, authorities uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse against other children at Little Lovey daycare.
Video evidence revealed instances of Hickey physically assaulting infants and toddlers, including swinging them by their feet and slamming them onto the ground.
Such shocking actions violated the trust of parents who had entrusted their children to Hickey’s care.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In a series of court appearances, Hickey expressed remorse for her actions and accepted responsibility for the harm caused to the victims and their families.
Despite her guilty plea, the severity of her crimes called for a firm response from the justice system.
A DeKalb County Superior Court judge handed down a sentence of 30 years in prison, with an additional five years of probation upon release.
Conditions of her probation include a prohibition on contact with victims or their families, as well as a ban on working with children under the age of 13 and profiting from the case.
Calls for Oversight and Accountability
In the wake of this tragedy, there have been renewed calls for stricter oversight of daycare facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
Parents are urged to thoroughly research and vet daycare providers before leaving them with their children’s care.
Additionally, resources such as quality rating websites and government agencies can provide valuable information and assistance in making informed decisions regarding childcare.
If you suspect child abuse or have concerns about the safety and well-being of a child, please do not hesitate to reach out for help.
You can contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for assistance and support.
