Norco daycare operator pleads not guilty to child-abuse charges
A Norco daycare operator pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony charges that she abused and injured young children in her care.
Prosecutors accuse Connie Lynn Barrett, 40, of abusing and injuring seven children -- six less than two years old -- dating back to December 2005.
An 8-month-old girl who went into cardiac arrest on Aug. 12 after Barrett allegedly abused her is still being hospitalized in a vegetative state, said Deputy District Attorney Elan Zektser.
The other six children suffered injuries including rib fractures, arm fractures and severe bruises, prosecutors say.
Barrett remained emotionally composed during her brief arraignment hearing Tuesday afternoon in Riverside Superior Court. But afterward, in the hallway outside the courtroom, she broke down crying.
Jeff Moore, her defense attorney, declined to comment and said Barrett would not comment.
Riverside County sheriff's investigators began investigating abuse reports at Barrett's home-based daycare business, in the 200 block of Seventh Street, after the injuries suffered by the infant on Aug. 12.
At about 4:30 p.m. Barrett called paramedics after the child stopped breathing and lacked a pulse, according to the declaration filed by authorities in support of an arrest warrant.
The girl was revived by paramedics. A doctor later told sheriff's investigators the child suffered from shaken baby syndrome, with injuries inflicted by the person who was with the girl at the time -- Barrett.
Barrett denied injuring the child when interviewed by investigators.
She said the injuries to the child were likely caused by the child walking into a coffee table, and other children at the home throwing toys at the girl.
She told investigators the other children were injured by falling into a toy box or by other children throwing toys at them, according to the arrest declaration.
"I don't think she gave much of an explanation, but she denied any wrongdoing. She was adamant," Zektser said.
The most incriminating statements made against Barrett came from her own 7-year-old son. The boy told investigators that he saw his mother drop the girl into her playpen as the girl cried.
The boy told investigators that he saw his mother spank and slap the girl, and use her hand to cover the girl's mouth while telling her to "stop it."
Bruises observed by authorities around the girl's jaw were consistent with finger marks from Barrett's hand covering her mouth, according to the arrest declaration.
Barrett's daycare facility was shut down Aug. 29 by the California Department of Social Services.
At the time the girl suffered the injuries, her mother, an Army soldier, was deployed to Iraq, according to the arrest declaration.
Prosecutors have filed seven felony child-abuse charges against Barrett. Two of the charges carry sentencing enhancements because the children suffered "great bodily injury."
Barrett posted $50,000 bail when she was arrested on Oct. 16. A preliminary hearing in her case was set Tuesday for Jan. 22.
Zektser said he believes the hearing will go forward as scheduled. He said sheriff's investigators will testify at the hearing, but Barrett's 7-year-old son will not testify.
The boy may testify if there is a jury trial Barrett's case, Zektser said. The prosecutor said he has not offered Barrett a plea deal.
Why, if this woman injured children in the past while under her care, was still running a daycare? What the heck is wrong with this State? Have we have no process in place to protech our children? We need stricter measures when allowing these sick people to care for children. Why does it take soo much money, and sooo long to get a Alcohol permit to open a bar, but just a home and a play pen to open a daycare? WTF is wrong with this country? This is not a human being, but the lowest of scum and should be sentenced to life without parole. I am sick and tired of these abusers gettng light sentences, and moving on with their lives, only to injure children again. When is our government going to take a stand and start protecting our children? People RESEARCH a potential caregiver, I bet a simple few background calls on this woman would have given just a hint that she is evil. I am so sad for this poor baby girl, in that she will probably never get the full, normal life she so deserves. My thoughts and prayers go out to this poor child, and her mother. And why do these sick women always look the same?
You need to get all the facts before commenting on these stories.
FACT
Brain dead infant girl during her care!!!
Not a FACT still fiction
How do you know it was during her care?? It has not been proving that, when it all comes out I hope Connie goes after everyone that has ruined her and her families life.