Van Buren County Daycare Scandal: Couple Arrested for CHILD ABUSE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
A grandmother of two children who attend Little Cubs Daycare, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “When you entrust your babies to someone, you anticipate that they will care for them in the same manner as you would.”
Child maltreatment and sexual abuse may have occurred at a home-operated daycare.
A husband and wife have been apprehended by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and they are currently facing numerous offenses in connection with the investigation.
The alleged sexual misconduct occurred at a daycare facility in Gobles. Deputies are urging individuals to examine the features of married couple Jesse Stone, 46, and Stephanie Stone, 38.
Officials have informed News Channel 3 that the incident commenced following a report regarding criminal activity from LaGrange, Indiana. “They were arraigned today on charges of sexual assault and abuse,” stated Captain James Charon of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.
Charon reports that authorities are investigating potential allegations of abuse or neglect at the couple’s nursery, Little Cubs Daycare. Additionally, it is the residence of the couple.
“There were a few instances last year when she expressed a strong reluctance to attend daycare.” The anonymous grandmother expressed, “In retrospect, I am uncertain whether that was a contributing factor.”
The daycare’s doors are currently sealed, and a handwritten note affixed to the door states “closed until further notice” as of Tuesday.
“The charges that have been brought against them are quite unexpected for all of us.” The anonymous grandmother stated, “My daughter did have a difficult conversation with both the children last night.”
According to both children, they were never subjected to inappropriate physical contact.
Nevertheless, the elder of the two children asserts that Stephanie, one of the two individuals in custody, is capable of being unkind.
The child remembered a time when he was going to assist a younger child who was attempting to consume a bottle of diaper rash ointment that had been left out.
The grandmother stated, “She attempted to assist Stephanie, but she was abruptly reprimanded, had her shoulders grabbed, and was dismissed.”
Jesse Stone is currently in the custody of Van Buren County. According to judicial documents, he is currently facing the following 13 charges:
- Two counts of first-degree illicit sexual conduct
- Two counts of second-degree illicit sexual conduct
- Second-degree child cruelty on two separate occasions
- Felony firearms on four charges
- Third-degree child maltreatment on two separate occasions
- One instance of domestic violence
- His bond was established at $750,000 in cash and surety.
As per court records, Stephanie Stone has been accused of one count of second-degree child abuse and two counts of third-degree child abuse.
Her bond was established at $100,000 in cash and surety as per upnorthlive.
“I am appalled.” “I am frightened by the chaos that has engulfed this world; I am disheartened,” the grandmother expressed.
“We are optimistic that we will be able to determine whether there are any additional victims, as there is a daycare in the area. This will enable us to attempt to provide some form of closure to the victims, if they are out there,” Captain Charon stated. On July 17, Jesse and Stephanie Stone are scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing, which will be followed by a preliminary exam on July 23.