BUFFALO COUNTY, Neb. — Two people have been charged in connection to alleged abuse at a Kearney daycare.
Lanette Puccini, 50, and Kasandra Richards, 36, are both charged in Buffalo County Court with two counts of child abuse and two counts of failure to report child abuse.
Richards also faces one count of false reporting.
Court records do not list an affidavit detailing the case. However, a complaint outlining the charges provides some details.
The complaint said that on July 7, two children under the age of 16 were placed in a situation where they were sexually abused.
The listed address of the incident is that of Sonshine World Daycare, which is housed at New Life Church.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services records lists Puccini as the director of Sonshine World Daycare.
Court records said as early as June 23, Puccini and Richards “did then and there have reasonable cause” to believe the children were being subjected to abuse or neglect and failed to report it to either the proper law enforcement agency or to the toll-free hotline.
The complaint alleges both failed to do so again on July 7.
Court records said on June 25, Richards allegedly “furnished material information she knew to be false” to law enforcement “with the intent to impede the investigation of an actual criminal matter.”
In a letter to parents that was provided to NTV News, New Life Lead Pastor Jeff Baker, who serves as chairman of the Sonshine World board, said “the child involved was removed from the program and is no longer attending or participating at Sonshine World.”
It is not clear which child Baker is referring to, as court records indicate two separate children being involved. It is also not clear whether the other child is still “attending or participating at Sonshine World.”
“The board is conducting its own review of what occurred, including how the incident was identified, reported and handled,” Baker said. “We will make personnel decisions based on that review and on what is best for the children in our care. We will continue to provide appropriate oversight, ask difficult questions when necessary and make decisions based on what is best for the children, families, staff and future of Sonshine World.”
Baker emphasized in his letter to parents that Sonshine World is not closing and remains committed to serving families.
Puccini is set to appear in Buffalo County Court at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Richards’ next court date is set for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24 with a jury trial set for 9 a.m. Nov. 2.