Three out of four suspects have been sentenced after pleading guilty on Wednesday in a disturbing child abuse case at a daycare center in DeKalb County.
An indictment reveals that the alleged abuse occurred at the Appletree Learning Center in DeKalb County between June 20, 2022, and June 22, 2022. The daycare has undergone a name change following its closure. The district attorney’s office has announced that charges have been filed in connection with 13 victims, whose ages range from six months to three years old.
Three individuals, Alexis Swain, Cassandra Chambers, and Cori Chambers, have admitted to their involvement in the abuse that occurred at the Appletree Learning Center. Swain and Cori Chambers have admitted to child cruelty charges, while Cassandra Chambers has admitted to one count of failing to report suspected child abuse.
“The defendants in this case targeted vulnerable residents of DeKalb County, including young individuals who were unable to speak up about the abuse they suffered,” expressed DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
Swain expressed remorse to the court and the families, pleading for leniency as the judge disclosed her sentence. Swain was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by five years of probation.
Boston expressed her surprise at the sentence for Swain, describing it as insufficient.
Nevertheless, the sentence for Defendant Swain has left us shocked by its injustice. Boston expressed concern about the brevity of the sentence, highlighting the enduring impact of the abuse on the children and their families.
Cori Chambers has been sentenced to 10 years of probation and 120 days of house arrest. Cassandra Chambers has been sentenced to 12 months of probation and 80 hours of community service. Defendants are prohibited from contacting the victims and engaging in child care.
Cherretta Hull, 78, has been released from the courtroom on Wednesday, and is now wearing an ankle monitor as the state evaluates her competency. She also faced child cruelty charges. Her case was listed as pending, according to the district attorney’s office.
During the court proceedings, the judge listened to the testimony provided by an abuse pediatrician. Following the proceedings, DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson listened to statements from six parents, who shared their experiences and emotions. Additionally, three parents chose to express their thoughts through written letters, which were considered before the defendants were sentenced.
Kourtney Chang revealed that her child played a crucial role in exposing the truth. According to her, her children, who were eight months old and three years old at the time, experienced abuse.
Antavian Bing shared that he is the sole caregiver for his young daughter during the period of mistreatment. According to him, he strongly believes that the justice system failed and that Swain deserves a more severe punishment.
“My daughter had a rough experience on the changing table,” Bing said. “My daughter experienced physical harm to her head.” And my daughter was abruptly lifted up.
According to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, investigators thoroughly examined three days’ worth of surveillance footage from inside the daycare, which uncovered evidence of abuse. Judge Jackson decided not to present the video on Wednesday in order to avoid causing distress to the parents.
Cassandra Chambers held the position of daycare director. According to a news release from the district attorney’s office, she was aware of the abuse after reviewing the footage but chose not to inform anyone.
Cori Chambers was described as a dedicated worker who showed genuine care and affection towards the children, according to both the state and her attorney.
Both women had clean records. Their legal representatives informed the court of their acknowledgment of responsibility and expressed their apologies.
Additionally, there is ongoing civil litigation against the daycare.