UPDATE 6/2/23 9 a.m.: Rapides Parish Sheriff Office Detectives made three arrests in their ongoing investigation into allegations of cruelty to juveniles at Totally Kids Childcare Center in Pineville.
Sheriff detectives say that the investigation initially stemmed from allegations coming from a parent who claimed their child had been given melatonin without parental consent while under the daycare’s supervision. Detectives investigated the claims including conducting interviews with current and former employees.
Detectives say that from their investigation they were able to secure warrants on Michelle Denise Smyth, 56, of Deville for obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy, Allison Grace VanDusen, 20, of Alexandria for five counts of second-degree cruelty to juveniles, obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy and Destrianna Nicole LaCombe, 19, of Dry Prong for second degree cruelty to juveniles, obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy.
All three suspects were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Yesterday, VanDusen was released on a $17,500 bond and LaCombe was released on a $7,500 bond. Later yesterday, Smyth was released on a $5,000 bond, authorities said.
RPSO Detectives say that more arrests and more charges are possible. If anyone has further information on this investigation, they are asked to contact Detective Matt Cross at 318-473-6727.
ORIGINAL STORY: PINEVILLE, La. (KLFY) — Rapides Parish Sheriff Detectives are investigating reports of alleged cruelty to juveniles at a daycare facility in Pineville.
Authorities say detectives arrived at Totally Kids Childcare Center at 5700 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, early this morning to conduct their investigation. The investigation included the executing of a search warrant on the premises as well as an arrest warrant.
Sheriff detectives say this is a very active and ongoing investigation. More information will be given as it becomes available.
If anyone has information on this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 318-473-6727 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867