DARLINGTON - Felony child abuse charges were filed this week against the owner of a now-closed Darlington daycare center.
Ruth E. Eames, 59, Darlington, has an initial appearance Tuesday, Nov. 6, on two Class H felony counts of intentionally causing harm to a 2-year-old child.
Eames was owner and director of Shining Star Daycare and Learning Center, 1355 Clay St. She voluntarily closed the business Sept. 29, according to Sara Buschman of YoungStar, the state's childcare rating program.
Court documents filed Oct. 29 allege Eames "forcefully grabbed" and squeezed a 2-year-old child during potty training, leaving the child with bruises. Eames was reportedly seen grabbing the child in a similar manner twice the morning of Aug. 23.
People interviewed by police, including employees and parents, portray such abuse as typical of Eames' approach with the children under her care. She allegedly grabbed children who would not listen "on multiple occasions," yelled at them, and was caught several times talking to the children in an inappropriate manner.
One person told an investigator Eames would let the children sleep as long as they liked so she didn't have to "deal with them."
An employee told police none of the employees were properly trained to keep up with state standards.
A police investigation found the 2-year-old Eames is accused of bruising has a longstanding fear of the woman. The child told police Eames "give me trouble" and "give me cry."
Eames has no criminal or traffic offense record in Wisconsin or in federal courts, according to online court records.
Ruth E. Eames, 59, Darlington, has an initial appearance Tuesday, Nov. 6, on two Class H felony counts of intentionally causing harm to a 2-year-old child.
Eames was owner and director of Shining Star Daycare and Learning Center, 1355 Clay St. She voluntarily closed the business Sept. 29, according to Sara Buschman of YoungStar, the state's childcare rating program.
Court documents filed Oct. 29 allege Eames "forcefully grabbed" and squeezed a 2-year-old child during potty training, leaving the child with bruises. Eames was reportedly seen grabbing the child in a similar manner twice the morning of Aug. 23.
People interviewed by police, including employees and parents, portray such abuse as typical of Eames' approach with the children under her care. She allegedly grabbed children who would not listen "on multiple occasions," yelled at them, and was caught several times talking to the children in an inappropriate manner.
One person told an investigator Eames would let the children sleep as long as they liked so she didn't have to "deal with them."
An employee told police none of the employees were properly trained to keep up with state standards.
A police investigation found the 2-year-old Eames is accused of bruising has a longstanding fear of the woman. The child told police Eames "give me trouble" and "give me cry."
Eames has no criminal or traffic offense record in Wisconsin or in federal courts, according to online court records.