A Pennsylvania daycare employee has been charged after authorities say he abused several young children at a daycare center, allegedly dragging one child across the floor for singing, squeezing another child’s face for not sitting still, and causing a fractured ankle to another toddler.
The allegations prompted state officials to revoke the daycare’s license following an investigation.
Multiple Charges Filed
Daniel Patrick Riley, 47, has been charged with:
- One count of aggravated assault
- Four counts of endangering the welfare of children
- One misdemeanor count of tampering with evidence
According to the Upper Gwynedd Police Department, Riley served as the assistant director and a toddler room teacher at Little Lambs Daycare, a facility owned by his mother.
Investigation Began After Parents Reported Suspected Abuse
Police launched an investigation in March after receiving several complaints from parents who suspected children were being abused at the daycare.
As investigators reviewed the allegations, they uncovered multiple incidents involving toddlers under Riley’s care.
Children Allegedly Abused for Singing or Not Sitting Quietly
According to police, Riley is accused of several acts of physical abuse against children at the daycare.
Investigators allege he:
- Kicked and stepped on a child’s foot.
- Dragged a toddler across the floor, causing a rug burn, because the child was singing.
- Yanked another child up from the floor with enough force to leave an abrasion.
- Grabbed a child’s face from underneath the chin and squeezed the child’s cheeks because the child was not sitting still or remaining quiet.
Authorities also allege Riley regularly yelled excessively at children and forced them to remain in timeouts for periods investigators described as unreasonably long.
Child Reportedly Suffered Fractured Ankle
During the investigation, police learned that one of the children suffered a fractured ankle that investigators believe was connected to Riley’s actions.
Upper Gwynedd Police Detective Dana Hallam said investigators documented multiple physical incidents involving the daycare worker.
According to Hallam, another incident involved Riley grabbing a child’s face, while several other allegations showed he exceeded the appropriate level of discipline expected from someone responsible for caring for young children.
Police Say Riley Deleted Surveillance Footage
Investigators also accused Riley of attempting to conceal evidence.
According to police, he deleted portions of surveillance video that allegedly showed the abusive incidents inside the daycare.
As a result of both the criminal investigation and a separate state review, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services revoked Little Lambs Daycare’s operating license.
Parent Says Daughter Returned Home With Bruises
A mother whose child attended the daycare told local media that her daughter came home with bruises and other signs she believed indicated mistreatment.
She said her daughter later described what Riley allegedly had done to her.
The mother said learning about the alleged abuse left her devastated.
“I have so many feelings. I am extremely hurt,” she said.
Riley Turns Himself In
Riley surrendered to authorities on Thursday and was booked into the Montgomery County Prison.
He is currently being held on a $25,000 bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 13, when the case will continue as prosecutors pursue charges related to the alleged abuse of multiple children at the daycare.
