CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina community is reeling after a daycare director was charged with child abuse.
According to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department arrest warrants, Midwood Learning Academy facility director Leslye Denise Torrence faces several offenses of misdemeanor child abuse.
The documents state in February, Torrence created a substantial risk transporting the children in a vehicle without a car seat or seat belt, with the rear driver’s side door left open while the vehicle was in motion.
The Division of Child Development and Early Education at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) suspended the license for one of the daycare facility buildings.
The DHHS order states they received information related to the health and safety of children at the daycare. Based on that information, the Division of Child Development and Early Education determined emergency action is required to protect the health, safety and welfare of children.
Midwood Learning Academy is located on Central Avenue, close to many businesses and residential homes.
Spectrum News 1 spoke with several people on and off camera about the incident. Many expressed shock about a daycare worker being charged with child abuse charges.
One woman, Cristie, did not want to share her last name, but lives near the daycare facility.
Cristie said it’s concerning to learn someone who has the responsibility to keep kids safe is accused of putting the children in harm’s way.
“It’s sad,” Cristie said. “I work in the children’s hospital, so I’m around kids. We as adults are supposed to protect these babies. You would think they’re in a daycare. They’re supposed to be safe.”
Spectrum News 1 attempted to speak with employees at the daycare about the incident. However, our news reporter was told to leave the property.
Additional updates on this story will be covered by Spectrum News 1.
Jennifer Roberts
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