CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The director of a day care in east Charlotte is facing a half-dozen child abuse charges after state officials shut down the center in February.
Leslye Torrence, 42, the director of Midwood Learning Academy on Central Avenue, was arrested on Friday and charged with six counts of misdemeanor child abuse.
Torrence drove children around without car seats or seat belts, according to court records. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education suspended Midwood Learning Academy's license after it learned about the matter in February.
Torrence was given a $60,000 bond for the charges and was released from jail after posting it on Friday. Her next court date is April 9.
A Charlotte family, who wants to remain anonymous, said they raised concerns after a photo surfaced, showing kids piling into a car without car seats.
“The kids were playing completely unsupervised on this playground," a parent said.
But the kids weren't completely unsupervised. The dad said they were being watched by two people from a car. Eventually, the kids were called back, and that's when the dad's friend confronted the adults and the car tried to speed away.
“My daughter is laying across the lap of other kids that don’t have seat belts, about to fall out," he said. "It’s just unfathomable.”
WCNC Charlotte spoke to one of the owners of the day care, who said the closure only impacts their preschool building. While she didn't want to speak on camera, she said it's an unfortunate situation and they are working with the state to correct any issues or problems. She also apologized to the parents.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.