NEWFANE, N.Y. — Sweet Angels daycare in Newfane has announced it will close at the end of the year amid staffing challenges and allegations of abuse by three former employees.
In September, Victoria Stanton, 22 and Karon Anterline, 66 were charged with endangering the welfare of two children under the age of four while working at the 1st Street daycare. Stanton was charged with two counts, and Anterline with one.
On Monday, New York Police charged a third former employee, Alexis Cleveley, 22 with three counts of the same charge.
Cleveley and Anterline were scheduled to appear in Newfane Town Court on Tuesday.
Anterline took a plea deal and entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of harassment in the 2nd degree, a violation, stemming from an incident on December 4, 2022.
Cleveley had her court date adjourned until a later date.
According to a New York State Police spokesperson, Cleveley was identified while troopers were investigating a complaint of possible abuse first received on February 10, 2023.
Several parents attended Tuesday's court appearance to show support for their children including, mom, Mallory Bumpers Wojewoda.
"Charlie she is incredible, she's been through hell," said Bumpers Wojewoda, pointing to a photo of her daughter on a t-shirt alongside other children who were allegedly abused.
Wojewoda told 2 On Your Side her daughter is still traumatized after what she and other parents first thought was only verbal abuse at 'Sweet Angels.'
"She has been through so much and she's progressing every day but every day we have hiccups but we're learning we're getting through it and we're going to continue," Wojewoda said.
The parents said a lot of people were interviewed by State Police Investigators after the initial abuse allegation was made.
"More parents came forward, more former and current employees started reaching out, giving us information and they were all willing to speak to police. They had evidence that things happened," said Kathy Chenez Stefanko.
Stefanko said her daughter Gracie is one of a dozen kids impacted. She encouraged past, present, and future parents to share their stories if they have concerns about child abuse, especially involving 'Sweet Angels' in Newfane.
State Police continues to investigate.
One parent added that she wished she recognized the signs of daycare abuse sooner.
"Don't just pass it off as my child is just going through this phase right now, really pay attention to the signs."
In a statement, a spokesperson for 'Sweet Angels' said the daycare would not comment on legal matters involving former employees but stated the decision to close was twofold.
"The decision was not made lightly but given recent developments including charges filed against former employees as well as demographic and staffing challenges the operations at Newfane simply became unfeasible."
The statement added that the parents and caregivers of some 25 kids and current employees have been made aware that the daycare will close on December 29. Newfane employees will be offered jobs at other locations in WNY.
The statement added:
“We appreciated having the privilege to provide daycare and early childhood learning services to children in the Newfane and surrounding community.”
The parents at Tuesday's court appearance said they now plan to fight for change in daycare policy and continue seeking justice for their kids.