The legal proceedings against a former employee of Sweet Angels Daycare are set to advance to trial. Savannah Huntington, who is the daughter of the daycare chain's owner, Kelly Doel, has a trial date scheduled for March 24th at North Tonawanda City Court. She faces three charges of endangering the welfare of a child, which are A misdemeanors.
On that date it will be decided whether the case will be heard by a jury or a judge. Huntington, who is being represented by attorney Frank LoTempio III, has not yet had the opportunity to enter a not-guilty plea.
Mallory Bumpers-Wojewoda, a parent whose child attended the Sweet Angels facility in Newfane, expressed that this trial is a positive step toward accountability for the daycare staff and the protection of the children involved. She attended the court session alongside six other parents whose children were reportedly abused at the daycare, emphasizing their commitment to supporting other affected families.
Niagara County Assistant District Attorney Liesel Marcantonio is prosecuting the case for the State. An order of protection for one of the children against Huntington, issued in October, remains in effect.
The Sweet Angels location at 1307 Erie Avenue in North Tonawanda was closed on May 10th of last year following an investigation initiated by the North Tonawanda police, in collaboration with the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services, the Child Advocacy Center, and the New York Office of Children and Family Services. This investigation was prompted by a complaint filed on May 2nd, which led to the Office of Children and Family Services citing the daycare for multiple violations, including the use of corporal punishment by staff.
The violations included various forms of physical punishment such as spanking, biting, and other harmful actions, as well as forcing children into excessive physical activity or unusual postures, and even compelling them to consume unpleasant substances.
Last year, three employees from the now-closed Newfane location faced similar charges of endangering the welfare of a child but opted for plea deals that resulted in reduced charges. Meanwhile, the two remaining Sweet Angels locations in Lockport continue to operate.
Trial Scheduled for Former Sweet Angels Daycare Employee in North Tonawanda